What are the small offerings on the ground in Bali?
Checked October 2026 · 2 sources
The small palm-leaf trays you see on pavements, shrines and doorsteps are Balinese Hindu offerings, the most common being canang sari. They hold flowers, a little food and incense, and are made daily. Those placed on the ground are meant to appease negative forces, while higher ones honour the gods.
In detail
A canang sari is a small square tray woven from palm or pandan leaf. Coloured flowers are arranged by compass direction, each linked to a Hindu deity, and it is often topped with rice, a sweet or a cracker and a stick of incense.
Families make and place offerings every day at homes, shops, temples, cars and crossroads. Offerings on shrines are for the gods and ancestors. Those on the ground are for lower spirits known as bhuta kala, to keep balance.
Each offering is usually left until the next day, then replaced. Dogs and birds eating them is considered normal once the offering has been made.
Try not to step on or kick offerings, especially when incense is still burning. Damaging them is listed among prohibited behaviours in Bali's official tourist guidelines.
Good to know
- Look down when walking past shop entrances.
- Join a canang-making class to learn the meaning firsthand.
- Step around offerings, not over them, if there is space.
On Bali Reply
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Sources
Rules and prices in Indonesia change often. Always check official sources before you travel.