Pangerebongan is a traditional ceremony that aims to protect people especially for them who live around of Kesiman village from disease, disasters, and others bad things. Most people of Kesiman pu much faith in the efficacy of Pegerebongan ceremony that is the reason why Pangerebongan is held. Other people do not know this reason. Surprisingly, they, who do not know the reason, keep this ritual alive by come and join to this ritual.

Rangda

Some people who know the myth clearly enough said that the story began from a long time ago. Once upon a time “Ratu Gede Mecaling” with his followers which are formed as Rangda, Barong, and others form came to Kesiman Village. Ratu Gede who is described as big, with dark skin and canines commanded his followers to spread pestilence to this village.

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The capital city in every region in the world is usually populated by people from many different areas and ethnics. In addition the capital city is usually more developed socially, economically, than others cities. It becomes more sophisticated so does Denpasar; as capital city of Bali. Is there any original unique culture from Denpasar which is still alive?

The answer is yes. Nevertheless there are so many people of Denpasar do not realize that they still have “Pangerebongan” (mass trance ritual). “Pangerebongan” is always held twice a year by people who live around the Kesiman Village, East Denpasar.

Eight days after Kuningan holiday, the community of Kesiman village gather in Pura Petilan (well known as Pura Dalem Pangrebongan since the pangerebongan ritual is held in this temple) using traditional costume. The main role is played by the Kesiman community. However this ritual is open to all of people who want to come.

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Pangerebongan is a ritual that is full of mystery and carries a spiritual power that is sometimes beyond the rational thought patterns of ordinary people. The ceremony of Pangerebongan is held every 210 days in accordance to the ancient Balinese lunar calendar, exactly eight days after the Kuningan religious holiday.

The participants of this ceremony are the members of the local community whose homes surround the royal residence of Puri Kesiman in east Denpasar and they walk in procession to the Petilan Temple. Old heirlooms, sacred artifacts and the barong and rangda masks, which are symbols of black and white magic, are taken out of safekeeping and carried in the procession.

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