Offering to Gods

We have been to Bali a few times. Whether its along the busy commercial narrow streets at popular tourist spots like Ubud or Kuta, we encounter small coconut leaves woven baskets filled with offerings laid on the floor. On occasions, we have also seen offerings placed in cones made with banana leaves. These baskets are also laid on altar-like concrete pillars with statues of deities.

These little baskets are filled with an assortment of local flowers, herbs and any edible foodstuff like biscuits, cut corn, candy and even cigarettes. These offerings are gifts to the Hindu Gods and dieties and are always 'delivered' by burning a scented incense stick. Apparently, when the incense stick is completely burned out, anybody or any animal are welcomed to partake in the edible food.

We tend to worry that one of us might accidentally step on these baskets while walking along the pathway outside the shops. It would be gross disrespect to the Balinese people as well as their Gods.