Offerings are one of the most sacred forms of devotion in Balinese Hinduism. Canang (offerings), banten (banten), and sesajen (offerings) are our mediums for communicating with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi), ancestors, and nature. They hold meaning: symbols of purity, sincerity, and harmony. But lately, a sight has made us pause. Many people are still offering canang (offerings) filled with candy. From the outside, they look beautiful, the colorful canang neatly arranged. But after a few days, what's left is not just the remains of the offerings. What's left are the plastic candy casings, sadly scattered everywhere on the roadside, in the river, and remnants of the haturan (offerings) from the plastic wrappers. 1. Loss of Meaning: Canang used to be filled with fruit, traditional snacks, and flowers. Everything returned to the earth. Nothing polluted. Now, candy is a choice because it's practical and colorful. But we forget to ask: "After the offerings are made, what happen...
