Rengganis: The Symphony of Silence

One of many unique art performances that can be found in Buleleng is Rengganis. Rengganis is similar to acapella in Western country but Rengganis is not imitation of musical instruments but rather imitation of various frogs’ sounds. The word “rengganis” means “symphony of silence”. The song of Rengganis was created in the style of Dangdang Gula hymn.

The creator of Rengganis, Gusti Made Alit got his inspiration when he guarded the rice in the rice field after a harvest; he heard the sounds of various kinds of frogs like a melody in a silent night. The beauty of this melody inspired him to create the Rengganis.

Rengganis is a social art performance; it is performed to entertain guests in a ceremony or to enliven the atmosphere when drinking tuak.

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The Results of International Conference and Festival Cultural Identity of North Balinese

International Conference and Festival Cultural Identity of North Balinese were held successfully from July 30 to August 2, 2009. The conference formulated four recommendations that are aimed to preserve North Balinese culture. These four recommendations are,

1. There is a need for political will from the government of Buleleng and Bali, the house of representative of Buleleng and Bali, government as well as private institutions, artists, culture connoisseurs and public in general to work hand in hand in preserving North Balinese culture.
2. To promote the passing of bills that protect the preservation and development of North Balinese culture that take their root from government regulation on the preservation North Balinese culture’s legacies.
3. A data base of all North Balinese culture’ aspects especially art troupes, artists, architects, art performance, oral art performance, language, custom, art potential of each village,  and others cultural legacies that is tangible or intangible, needs to be built  through the collaboration of Undiksha, Buleleng government, and Preservation of North Balinese Culture Foundation.
4. An action plan that comprises publication of International Conference and Festival Cultural Identity of North Balinese’s proceedings, WOJ Nieuwenkamp’s sketches and Van der Tuuk picture collections needs to be formulated.

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