Pandanus War Tradition

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The Sincerest Sacrifice to Lord Indra

Tenganan Pegringsingan village in Karangasem County has managed to preserve many of its customs and traditions. One of them is the mageret pandan or more commonly known as the Pandanus War. The Pandanus war ritual in Tenganan Pegringsingan village has developed into a tourist attraction but for local villagers, participating in the pandanus war is the sincerest form of sacrifice to the gods that a human can perform.
Wayan Yasa, one of the six chiefs of Tenganan Pegringsingan customary village, said that as a Hindu sect that adheres to the teaching of Lord Indra, this tradition is a manifestation of the teachings of Lord Indra who is also known as the god of war. According to Yasa. The philosophy behind the Pandanus War, is that it is one of the sincerest yajña or holy sacrifices as it offers human blood. “If we do not conduct this ritual, according to local belief, something bad will happen to our village, which is why this tradition continues to be carried out to this day.

The Pandanus War is carried out in a series of the aci usaba sambah at Tenganan Pegringsingan on the full moon in June (fifth month in Balinese calendar). The usaba sambah is commenced with the sacrifice of a buffalo the caru or exorcism rite.  The Pandanus War is then carried on two occasions; on Monday (Jun. 8) at Bale Patemu Kaja and on Tuesday (Jun. 9) at Bale Patemu Tengah. The second day of the pandanus war is also known as pengrame sambah and includes a stage performance.
Druign the ritual itself, youths stand face to face in twos and try to attack their opponent while avoiding being struck by the attacks of their oppopnent. The combattnats must not show any emotions nor seek revenge, as this is the correct way to conduct war. The ritual is an exercise in patience and good sportsmanship.
Yasa said that the number of participants is not limited. All young men from Tenganan Pegringsingan village enter the arena to participate, ranging from small children to those who are married. The Pandanus War is made more fun and exciting by the accompaniment of three selonding sacred gamelan instruments. The ritual takes place over some two hours, between 2 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

Many of the participants said that wthey felt happy despite having endured bodily injuriy. These injuries are then treated with sanctified remedies which have been prepared up to a month before the ritual by the local girls. These remedies are made from spices like turmeric and other ingredients that contain iodine. Before being administered, these herbal medicines are processed in such a way as to make them sacred. After the pandanus war, local youths cure one other with these medicines.
Many people from outside of Tenganan Pegringsingan village have also started ttaking part in this tradition. Many believe that participating in the Pandanus War can cure various diseases by shedding blood. You may believe this and you may not!www.bali-travelnews.com
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