The Most Popular Balinese Traditions Full of Meaning – Bali has many attractions besides tourist destinations, such as the existence of Balinese traditions that attract attention. This is very interesting for tourists to come and explore this island. Many traditions carried out in Bali are related to the majority of the population who adhere to Hinduism.
The Most Popular Balinese Traditions Full of Meaning
surlerythme – Because in the religious practice of Hindus there are several ceremonies that need to be carried out. Therefore, you can observe the following traditions while planning a vacation to Bali.
Galungan, the day of Hari Raya.
Galungan Day is one of the Hindu religious celebrations that is inherited as a tradition that continues to this day. In welcoming the celebration, they decorate the roadside with many penjor. The Galungan Day celebration is held every six months. The meaning of this celebration is an expression of gratitude for the glory of Dharma opposing Adharma.
Therefore, Hindus in Bali on this occasion will make offerings to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and Dewa Bhatara. This series of events includes Tumpek Wariga, Sugihan Jawa, Sugihan Bali, Penyekeban Day, Penyajan Day, Penampahan Day, until finally Galungan Day.
Melasti.
A meditation ritual is held on the beach.
Origin: Buleleng Regency Government
Then, Melasti is a religious ceremony carried out in preparation for welcoming the Nyepi celebration. Before setting the Nyepi holiday, Hindus hold the Melasti ceremony, a ritual to guard themselves. This ritual is usually performed in temples that are close to vital water sources, such as the sea, lakes, or rivers.
Previously, Hindus perform prayers led by Romo and Pinandita. They will lead in praying and reading holy books for all Hindus. The meaning of this tradition is to cleanse all dirt or sins in humans by using holy water.
Ngaben Ceremony.
The next tradition is already widely known by people outside Bali. Ngaben is a ritual of immortalizing the body in Bali which is carried out before accompanying the deceased to their final resting place. This ceremony has several types, such as Mitrayadnaya, Pranawa, and Swasta. The aim is to return the deceased’s spirit to its original realm more quickly than if buried in the ground.
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Mekare-Kare Ceremony.
Also known as Perang Pandan, the Makare-Kare Ceremony is held every year in Tenganan Village, Manggis District, Karangasem Regency, Bali. This ritual is carried out as a sign of respect for the God Indra and also the ancestors. It is called Perang Pandan because it uses thorny pandan weapons as equipment.
Then, the thorny pandan is cut to a uniform size and tied like a mace or war weapon. The tradition will begin with a ceremony to ask for safety, where the two participants will attack each other accompanied by the sound of gamelan music.
Pengerupukan.
Observed a day before Nyepi, the Pengerupukan event is carried out with the aim of cleansing Bhuta Kala which symbolizes evil. This old tradition is carried out by spreading tawur rice, spreading torch smoke around the house and yard, and hitting objects that make loud noises. Usually, in this series of traditions, an ogoh-ogoh parade is also held to honor the figure of Buta Kala.
Ceremony of Metatah.
Ritual of cutting teeth of matatah.
In Hindu beliefs, humans always have ceremonies to celebrate the end or beginning of their life stages. From the time a baby is born, through the age of 3 months, 6 months, to adulthood and welcoming death.
The Metatah or Mepandes Ceremony is included in Manusa Yadnya which is carried out when someone enters the maturity phase. In the Metatah Ceremony, the act of filing teeth involves both canines and four incisors on the upper jaw. This ritual needs to be carried out by those who are not yet married.
7. Saraswati Ceremony
Next, the Saraswati Celebration which is held every 6 months plays an important role, especially for students and education practitioners. Therefore, Hindus believe that Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge who gives knowledge to humans.
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To truly understand a concept, a learning process is needed that allows us to develop knowledge. On Saraswati day, when morning comes, students will attend a prayer ceremony at their school as part of a series of activities. After that, they will continue to pray at another temple. While we, books, stationery, are all tidied up and collected in one place for the ceremony.
Omed-omedan.
The Omed-omedan tradition is a tradition practiced by young men and women in Bali which takes place on Ngembak Geni day, the first day after the Nyepi celebration. Omed-omedan means tug of war in Indonesian.
Young people embrace each other in a warm hug and a fun tug-of-war game between two groups. Those who follow this tradition are people between the ages of 17 and 30 years. This tradition is carried out to realize mutual respect and harmony in relations between residents.
9. Wayang Golek
The origin of Mekotek refers to the sound of wood clashing, namely “tek-tek”, a Balinese Hindu religious tradition that has been carried out for generations in Munggu Village, Mengwi District, Badung Regency, Bali. This tradition is carried out to symbolize glory and also as a way to ward off disaster.
On Kuningan Day, the Mekotek Ceremony is held with the organization. Participants gather at Pura Dalem to perform prayers. After performing their prayers, they will gather to hold a parade. Every time they reach an intersection, each group will form a triangle by joining wood that forms a cone. Then, they will spin and jump accompanied by gamelan music.
10. Gebug atus Seraya.
In Seraya Village, Karangasem Regency, Bali, there is a special tradition known as Gebug Ende Seraya. This tradition is a rattan war that has been carried out for generations and is still maintained to this day. The Gebug Ende Seraya tradition is carried out around October-November before the planting season with the intention of asking for the blessing of rain from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The rattan war itself is held in a public place and attracts the attention of opponents from surrounding villages. The Gebug Ende tradition has been going on since the reign of the Karangasem Kingdom. Before starting, the first thing to do is to pray while presenting various offerings. After that, two men will show their prowess by fighting directly. While playing, the sound of rattan will warmly accompany the villagers. In the Gebug Ende game, there are rules and prohibitions that serve as a reference for the participants.