Gianyar, Baliwakenews.com – Alaya Resort Ubud held its annual Piodalan ceremony on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as a moment of gratitude and a reaffirmation of its commitment to preserving Balinese traditions and cultural heritage.
Held at the resort’s Padmasana, the ceremony brought together the management team, employees and invited guests in prayer and reflection, while strengthening the spirit of harmony that remains an important part of Balinese life.
The ceremony reflects the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans and the Divine, people and nature, as well as relationships within the community.
Preparations for the Piodalan began on 5 October with Nunas Tirta, a ritual to seek holy water from several temples in Padang Tegal and central Ubud, including Pura Desa and Puseh, Pura Melanting and Pura Gunung Lebah.
The following day, Alaya Resort Ubud organized a series of activities involving employee representatives from various departments. The initiative formed part of the resort’s continued practice of Parahyangan, one of the three principles of Tri Hita Karana, and continues a tradition that has been carried out at Alaya Resort Ubud since 2017.
As part of the tradition, employees from each department serve as Pengempon, entrusted with caring for and maintaining the sacred shrines, or pelinggih, within the resort.
There are nine pelinggih located in the Parahyangan area of Alaya Resort Ubud, with each shrine cared for by a designated group of employee representatives.
The preparations began with Mereresik, a communal ritual to clean and prepare the sacred areas. This was followed by a Mayasan Pelinggih competition, in which each Pengempon group showcased its creativity in decorating the pelinggih and palangkiran using traditional Balinese wastra textiles and ornaments.
Employees also took part in a Gebogan arrangement competition, creating traditional offerings from locally sourced fruits and natural materials.
Beyond preparing the sacred spaces for the ceremony, the activities provided employees with an opportunity to actively participate in preserving Balinese traditions while strengthening their sense of togetherness and shared responsibility.
The peak of the Piodalan took place on 7 October, beginning with Mecaru, a ritual of purification and spiritual harmony, followed by a communal prayer ceremony in the afternoon at the Padmasana.
Management and employees, together with invited guests, participated in the ceremony dressed in traditional Balinese attire, creating a solemn yet communal atmosphere.
Another meaningful part of the ceremony was Rejang Renteng, a sacred dance traditionally performed during Hindu religious ceremonies. Performed in a connected formation, the dance symbolizes togetherness, harmony and sincere devotion as an offering to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
At Alaya Resort Ubud, the Rejang Renteng dance was performed by the resort’s own employees, making the tradition an integral part of their participation in the Piodalan ceremony.
The resort also welcomed in-house guests from Alaya properties to witness the ceremony firsthand. Their participation provided an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of Balinese traditions while respecting the customs, values and cultural context surrounding the religious observance.
“Piodalan is a meaningful moment for our entire team to pause from our daily routines, express our gratitude, and come together to honour a cultural heritage that remains an important part of Balinese life,” said Dewi Mas, Chief Operating Officer of Alaya Hotels & Resorts.
“For Alaya, culture is not simply an experience we present to our guests, but a value that we embrace in our everyday life. Through Piodalan, we continue to nurture our relationship with the God, surrounding environment and community, while creating an opportunity for our guests to experience the warmth of Balinese culture more closely.”
Located in Ubud, one of Bali’s renowned centres of art and culture, Alaya Resort Ubud continues to incorporate local culture into its hospitality experience.
Through its annual Piodalan ceremony and other initiatives rooted in local traditions, the resort seeks to strengthen its connection with the Balinese community while offering an authentic Indonesian hospitality experience.
About Alaya Resort Ubud
Nestled in the cultural heart of Ubud, Alaya Resort Ubud features 106 rooms that combine contemporary design with Balinese artistry. Surrounded by rice terraces and vibrant local life, the resort was designed by award-winning Grounds Kent Architects and features landscape art by the late Made Wijaya.
The resort is also home to DaLa Spa, whose interiors were styled by Moroccan-born designer Zohra Boukhari, alongside curated dining experiences designed to create a refined sense of belonging.
With a focus on heartfelt hospitality, Alaya Resort Ubud offers guests an opportunity to experience the quieter side of Bali while remaining connected to the island’s culture and traditions.
About Alaya Hotels & Resorts
Alaya Hotels & Resorts is an Indonesia-rooted hospitality company focused on creating spaces that feel like home, both in spirit and experience.
Each destination within the Alaya portfolio is selected for its sense of place and designed to reflect its local environment and cultural identity.
The growing portfolio includes Alaya Suites Ubud, Alaya Resort Ubud, Alaya Dedaun Kuta and Alaya Private Estate.
The group delivers hospitality experiences centered on curated design, cultural relevance and grounded luxury, serving travellers seeking authenticity, value and a deeper connection with destinations across Bali. BWN-07
