Billy Bagus
Sep 02, 2025
Bali is often celebrated for its natural charm; pristine beaches, lush jungle, clear lake and gallant mountain, but venture a little deeper, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique cultural traditions. One of the island’s lesser-known gems is the Ngedeblag ceremony in Desa Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar; a tradition that is part ritual, part spectacle, and part pure, unadulterated fun.
A tradition that is part ritual, part spectacle, and part pure, unadulterated fun
At first glance, Ngedeblag might make you think of Halloween. On certain days, men parade through the village with eerily painted faces, colorful body paint, and traditional Balinese attire. Some go shirtless under the blazing sun, while others carry objects that clatter, clang, and bang to create a cacophony of sounds. The result? A sensory feast that is equal parts thrilling and mystifying.
A Tradition Born from Crisis
The origin of Ngedeblag is as fascinating as its costumes. According to historical research from the Hindu Dharma Institute in Denpasar, the ceremony traces back to a Brahmana family named Kemenuh, originally from Desa Tegal Wanasari. The patriarch, Ida Nyoman Kemenuh, faced a devastating crisis when a mysterious epidemic claimed the lives of his parents and threatened the wider community.
Desperate for guidance, Ida Nyoman performed a spiritual retreat, or tapa semadi, seeking direction from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme god in Balinese Hinduism. His prayers were answered with a vision: a ritual to cleanse the village of disease and negative forces. The locals took this seriously—and Ngedeblag was born.
Noise, Costume, and Chaos—All for a Good Cause
The name Ngedeblag comes from the loud, clanging noises that fill the village during the ceremony. Every participant—from children to elders—brings instruments, kitchenware, or anything that can create sound, all accompanied by the booming rhythm of a gamelan baleganjur ensemble. The village literally comes alive in a chaotic, celebratory clamor, believed to drive away disease and misfortune.
While the fifth month of the Balinese calendar features the full “spooky” version with horror-inspired costumes, the sixth and seventh months are more traditional, with participants dressed in standard ceremonial attire. The highlight, however, remains the first parade: men painted in ghostly colors, wielding sticks and tools, creating an immersive experience that is at once terrifying and mesmerizing.
Philosophy Beyond the Fright
On the surface, Ngedeblag is a loud, wild, almost Halloween-like procession. But beneath the theatrics lies a profound philosophy. According to local wisdom, the ceremony is a symbolic interaction with kala—time itself. The period during which Ngedeblag is held marks the transition from dry to rainy season, a time historically associated with illness, natural disasters, and unpredictability. The terrifying appearance of participants represents a confrontation with fear itself, a way for humans to “out-scary” the forces of time and misfortune.
In essence, the villagers are both challenging and befriending the unseen powers that govern life. By embodying fearsome forms, they symbolically wrestle with the unknown, showing respect while asserting resilience. The sprinkling of holy water, tirta, during the procession completes this spiritual cleansing, purifying the village and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.
So, if you find yourself in Gianyar around September to December, and your curiosity extends beyond beaches and rice terraces, the Ngedeblag ceremony awaits: a parade of color, sound, and spirit that is as mystical as it is unforgettable.
