The numerous deities which prowl the landscape of Balinese Hinduism are seriously high-maintenance. The Barong is a ridiculously giddy dragon-dog; Rangda is a witch god whose harrowing visage-mask adorns numerous walls throughout the island. In the seaside town of Tanah Lot, we happened upon a procession of flag-bearers and supplicants trailing Rangda and the Barong down to the ocean. Upon reaching the water's edge, ritual words were spoken by the priest, Rangda ate some grapes or something and the Barong had a refreshing slurp of ocean water. Long story short: peace would now return to the village for a set period of time. After the ritual, everyone seemed much calmer (especially the Barong, who became quite sleepy).

© Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli