Rice fields in the Sidemen Valley and Mount Agung, Bali, Indonesia
© Jon Arnold/Danita Delimon
Green fields of grain
We're looking down on the terraced hills of the Sidemen Valley, sitting in the shadow of Bali's tallest mountain, Mount Agung. In May, this Indonesian province marks the end of the harvest season for rice - a staple food here. Towns and villages are decorated with colourful flags, and farmers put up shrines to Dewi Sri, the rice goddess. Small, handmade straw dolls depicting the goddess are left here and there in further tribute.
Before social distancing entered the global vocabulary, people came together to share traditional food and indulge in fun and games, like water buffalo races through the streets. This year the celebrations are sure to be more subdued, although the gratitude for a bountiful harvest, we suspect, will be just as deeply felt.
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