Trance - Indonesia

Balinese Hindus go into deep trance, trying to stab themselves with sharp daggers known as Kris’s, on the mystical and spiritual beach, Peti Tenget, in Bali, Indonesia, as millions of Balinese celebrate Melasti, the sacred day of cleansing and the start of the Balinese New Year. This annual event, which happens roughly every 210 days, is one of the most important spiritual moments in the Balinese calendar system. The Balinese believe that a mystical spirit resides in Mount Agung and is related to the spirit that exists in the sea.

Published in National Geographic magazine