Rat infestation has become worldwide problem that happen in all parts of the world and no wonder every civilization has their own way in dealing with rat. If Germans have their Pied Piper of Hamelin, Balinese have their own way in dealing with rat infestation.

In Bali, rat is given an honorable title “Jero Ketut”. The word “jero” is a title for honorable man” while “ketut” is a name for the youngest of four siblings. This title is given to the rat since Balinese believe that rat is a sensitive animal that does not like to be treated disrespectfully. The older generation of Balinese usually forbade their juniors to swear or used dirty word to rat lest it will become more and more troublesome.

In dealing with rat infestation Balinese usually make a small offering (segehan) which is presented to the rat so and request it to go away from their house compound. In Tabanan regency, when thousands of rats attack the rice fields, the farmers of Tabanan will hold a Nangluk Merana ceremony.

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Once upon a time, Bhatara Guru (the head of Gods) who resides in heaven held a great ceremony. It is a tradition that each god should help in the preparation of the ceremony. But the great dragon Ananta Boga looked so sad since he could not help anything because did not have a hand or foot. It made him sad, he cried alone, but a miracle occurred, his tears that touch land turn into three eggs. He took those eggs on his mouth; he planned to give Bhatara Guru the eggs as a consolation for his inability in helping the preparation of ceremony.

On the way, he met another god, the god greeted him, when he answered two of his eggs fell into earth and hatched. One produced a rat and the other a boar. Realizing his mistake, Ananta Boga kept silence on the rest of the way, until he arrived in front of Bhatara Guru. He told Bhatara Guru what happened on him, and presented the remaining egg. Bhatara Guru accepted the egg.

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