Canang Sari A Religious Balinese Offering

Canang Sari is one of the daily offerings for Balinese Hindu people to thank Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God) in praise and prayer. It is the simplest household offering. Canang Sari is derived from two words Canang means a small palm leaf basket as the tray and Sari means essence. Canang itself has two syllables from Kawi language Ca (beautiful) and Nang (purpose). Canang Sari may be found all over the island in Balinese temples, village temples, small house shrines, and even on the ground.

Each flower color on a Canang symbolizes a Hindu God.

• White colored flower that points to the east as a symbol of Iswara.
• Red colored flower that points to the south as a symbol of Brahma.
• Yellow colored flower that points to the west as a symbol of Mahadeva.
• Blue or Green flower that points to the north as a symbol of Vishnu. 

A Canang Sari is completed by placing an amount of Kepeng (the coin money) and the paper money. which is indicated to make up the Sari (essence) of the offering.

This Canang Sari is offered everyday to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God) as the form of thanking for the peace that had been given to the world. Canang Sari is not offered when there is a death from one of a family and community member or several days after a family member's cremation ceremony. For tourists that visit Bali, there are some places where you can try and study how to make a Canang Sari, it requires a bit effort to create a Canang Sari, but it is one of an interesting activity to do when tourists visit Bali.

Some different types of Canang Sari: