Asian Geographic - April 2018

(singke) #1
LESTER V. LEDESMA is an award-winning
photojournalist whose work has been showcased
in the Chobi Mela Festival of Light, the Singapore
International Photography Festival, and publications
like CNN Travel, Hemispheres and Condé Nast
Traveler. Based in Singapore, he has covered Asia for
over two decades, and continues to travel
the region in search of topics involving local culture.
He likes street food, cold beer, and a good story.

watery eyes – both from the momentary pain


and the smoke. The air is thick with ash and


bits of charcoal.


The soundtrack to all this commotion is


a traditional gamelan ensemble, stationed a


safe distance from the fray. The beats of the


music intensify as the action grows frenzied.


Combatants are enthusiastic but careful, and


no serious injuries or quarrels erupt. (Even if


accidents should occur, burns will be sprinkled


with purified water and left to heal. No


medication is provided.)


The fighting rages on for about an hour


before the coals are spent. But it’s not over.


Those caught in the


crossfire suffer burn


marks on their shirts


and watery eyes – both


from the momentary


pain and the smoke


4.2
MILLION

Balinese

POPULATION

LANGUAGE

RELIGIONS

Bali:
indonesian
province

Sweating from the exertion, the tired men then
drag massive ogoh-ogohs (demon effigies) onto
sore shoulders, and herald the new year with
a last hurrah of processions down the streets.
By midnight, these statues too will be burning,
along with the evil they symbolise, and the
villagers will be ready to embrace the coming
year purified by flame. ag

Hinduism
84%

Christianity
2%

Buddhism
1%

Islam
13%

DATA SOURCES: BALI ART AND CULTURE,
MYSTIQUE EARTH, BALI TOUR, BALI GLORY
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