ACCOMPANIED by Balinese traditional music from Bleganjur and led by Badung Regent, a palingsir—elder and chief—of Puri Mengwi, the Pelebon Agung (cremation) of Anak Agung Gde Agung, lasted for less than an hour. The ashes were then collected, to be floated down the Yet Peneh River.

The river is believed to carry the ashes to the sea, uniting the wadak (body) in Panca Mahabhuta—water, fire, air, earth and space – with the universe. No