Within Balinese Hinduism, a banten is a ritual offering that functions as a carefully ordered bridge between the visible and invisible worlds. It is an arrangement of food, flowers, incense, and other symbolic items, placed in containers woven from young coconut or palm leaves, banana leaves, or similar natural materials. Through this medium, devotion, gratitude, and supplication are directed toward deities, ancestral spirits, and other unseen forces, with the aim of sustaining harmony and balance in the cosmos. The offering is not merely decorative; it is understood as a structured expression of dharma and of the principle that human life is interwoven with nature and the divine.

The preparation of a banten is itself a ritual discipline. Materials are gathered fresh and clean—rice, fruits, flowers, traditional cakes and sweets, betel leaves and areca nuts, incense, and holy water—often arranged in containers that have been intricately woven from young coconut or palm leaves. The base is typically formed first, then rice or cakes are laid down as a foundation, followed by fruits and other foods arranged in deliberate patterns that may be simple or highly elaborate, sometimes even tiered. Flowers are placed in designated positions, often in patterned or mandala-like designs, and incense and holy water are added to complete the composition. Small symbolic items such as coins may also be included, depending on the type of offering and the context of the ceremony.

Equally important is the inner attitude and ritual context in which the banten is prepared and offered. The work is commonly carried out within the household, often by women, who shape and arrange the components with focused intention and reverence. During preparation and before placement at shrines or temples, prayers or mantras are recited so that the offering is infused with spiritual energy and properly directed to its intended recipients. At the ceremony itself, the banten is blessed with holy water and incense, and then set before deities or sacred spaces as a tangible sign of respect and devotion. Through this disciplined craft of materials, form, and prayer, the banten becomes a living symbol of the ongoing dialogue between humans, nature, ancestors, and the divine.