The Balinese people represent only 2 percent of the total
Indonesian population, yet they differ from the rest of Indonesia in many ways.
Language, dress, songs, stories, food, and the calendar are
uniquely Balinese. The most significant difference is their religious beliefs.
Approximately 87 percent of the Indonesian population is Muslim,
although almost all Balinese adhere to the Balinese-Hindu religion.Through their religion, people partake in many different
and elaborate ceremonies during their lifetimes. These different
ceremonies mark a person's journey through life with colour and celebration.Balinese villages are uniquely set up and community and
family are very important. Everyone within a village works towards
the good of the community.Bali's unique cultures is often expressed through
its traditional arts industry. The influences of other cultures and the
population's strong links to the past are all expressed in their art forms.
This industry has grown as a result of toursim in the area.Out of all the Indonesian islands, Bali has become one of
the most popular destinations. Bali reflects to the world an island of
tranquillity, beauty, culture and relaxation.Bali also has some of the greatest rice farmers in the
world. Their produce has become well known across the globe and their skills in
producing quality rice surpass many other rice-growing areas.
Religion and beliefs
Bali is different from the rest of Indonesia because of
the religion that it follows. The majority of people in
Indonesia are Muslim, but most people in
Bali follow Balinese-Hinduism. Many religions set time
aside in daily lives for religious rituals; Muslims, for
example, pray five times a day. Balinese-Hindus, however, organise
their whole lives around the practise of their religion. Every aspect of their
lives involves some sort of prayer, worship or offering to the gods.Balinese-Hinduism is further celebrated with 60 religious
holidays a year. All celebrations and acts of worship revolve around the gods
Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, and spirits, sacred places, ghosts, demons and magic.
Balinese-Hindus believe that they are on a spiritual journey, and believe
in reincarnation. It is their belief that each time a person dies, their spirit
is a step closer to nirvana (paradise). 
Ceremonies
The Balinese are famous for their bright and richly
cultural ceremonies. The Balinese culture celebrates many occasions during a
person's life. From birth to death, these ceremonies are always filled with
joy, food, and prayer to their gods.Birth rituals, marriage ceremonies and cremations
are just some of the ceremonies every Balinese person will experience
throughout their life to represent different phases of their time on Earth. Tooth-filing
ceremonies are also common throughout July and August in Bali. In these
ceremonies, teenagers have their teeth filed to mark their journey into
adulthood.The cremation ceremony is the most elaborate and costly
in the Balinese culture. There are many rituals associated with this occasion
and it is of great importance. Balinese people believe that if a spirit does
not have a proper cremation then it will haunt the Earth and the living.
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