Ritual, responsibility, and resilience: a practice note from the Bali Spirit Festival, Indonesia

This practice note explores the Bali Spirit Festival 2024 as a living example of how spirituality, ritual and community participation can foster ecological responsibility and resilience. Based on field observations, the festival demonstrates that sustainability need not rely solely on technocratic interventions; rather, it can emerge organically through shared spiritual experiences and culturally grounded practices. Anchored in the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy—harmonising relationships with the divine (Parahyangan), with others (Pawongan) and with nature (Palemahan)—the event integrates environmental care into daily activities without formal enforcement. Rituals, such as blessing ceremonies, meditations and nature offerings, create a collective ethical orientation that normalises mindful waste practices, respectful space sharing and sustainable consumption. Participants' behaviours, from barefoot walking to composting, were shaped not by instructions but through embodied presence, mutual observation and narrative communication. This approach nurtures “spiritual responsibility,” where ecological action stems from deeply felt connections rather than obligation. The festival thus serves as a case study for development practitioners, illustrating how cultural wisdom and spiritual values can be leveraged to inspire long-term behavioural change. By embedding sustainability within relational and affective experiences, the Bali Spirit Festival offers a transformative, inclusive and replicable model for community-led environmental ethics.