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Paddy Paradise

For the Balinese, rice is more than just the staple food, it is a part of the culture. At the beginning of planting time, ceremonies are held to carry the young stems of rice that have been nurtured in a special nursery to the terraced paddies. Little streams of water flow from the highest section on top to the very bottom section, maintaining perfect water levels for the growing rice. The irrigation and planting schedule are arranged through subak, a Balinese system that ties together rice cultivation with its water temple system. Historical evidence dates this system to around the 11th century.

 

Before planting, throughout growing time, at harvesting, ceremonies are held and offerings are presented to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice. In the middle of rice fields, you often find little shrines with flowers, fruit, and offerings.

 

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Uploaded on January 5, 2013