Ngerebeg (Village Purification Ceremony)

Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 by ablteam

Ngerebeg is one of many kinds exorcism and purification ceremony that exist in Bali. The Ngerebeg ceremony is usually held in Kuningan day or before a temple festival especially in Gianyar regency. The Ngerebeg ceremony in one area can be totally different from other area but the purpose of this ceremony is still the same.

In Bangli, the Ngerebeg ceremony is a procession of the sacred Barong from its pelinggih (shrine), across the surrounding villages / banjars ending at the crossroads (catus pata). Ngerebeg is a ngelawang (traveling) activity for Bangli people, which is usually held during 42-day period following Galungan. This ceremony purifies the entire village and restores the balance of negative and positive force. The ngerebeg ceremony in Bangli involves many Barongs from all over the town of Bangli. They start from their respective village and finish at the major cross road (catus pata) in Bangli town.