Billy Bagus
Nov 26, 2025
The Mesuryak Ceremony of Bongan Village is one of Bali’s most vivid cultural spectacles. Held every Kuningan Day and rooted in ancestral devotion, this centuries old tradition captures the island’s ability to blend spirituality with lively communal celebration. If you want to understand how Balinese heritage continues to thrive with depth and authenticity, read on.
An ancient celebration of gratitude, kinship, and spiritual prosperity in the heart of Tabanan
A Legacy Passed Through Generations
Mesuryak has been performed for as long as the community can remember. The tradition predates written village history and lives through stories passed down from ancestors. It takes place every six months on Hari Raya Kuningan which arrives ten days after Galungan. Kuningan marks the departure of ancestral spirits who return to Suarga Loka and Mesuryak becomes the symbolic escort that ensures their peaceful journey home.
The word Mesuryak derives from suryak which means cheering or joyful shouting. These spirited voices accompany the ancestors on their ascent and reflect the villagers' gratitude for blessings received throughout the Galungan to Kuningan period.
A Ceremony Anchored in Devotion
The morning of Mesuryak unfolds in a sequence of sacred prayers. Families begin worship within their homes then gather at Pura Meraja which is the extended family temple before proceeding to Pura Khayangan Tiga the triad of central temples in the village. These prayers express reverence to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi and honor the ancestral spirits who have stayed with the family during the holy days.
Once the prayers are completed each household prepares banten pengadegan which is placed at the front entrance of the family compound. This offering traditionally consists of rice eggs and pis bolong or kepeng coins. In past generations the ritual relied fully on these ancient coins but as times changed families began using rupiah notes and coins while preserving the ceremony’s original symbolism.
A Unique Festivity of Abundance
The peak of Mesuryak takes place between 09.00 and 12.00 WITA when the sun is believed to radiate its strongest energy. By noon ancestral spirits are said to begin their return to the celestial realm which is why the ritual must unfold within this sacred window.
The central action is both simple and profoundly meaningful. Family members throw money into the air as a symbolic provision for their ancestors. The falling coins and notes represent heartfelt gratitude and the belief that generosity invites spiritual harmony. As the money descends residents of all ages joyfully scramble to collect it. Laughter shouts and bursts of enthusiastic cheering fill the air turning the ceremony into a vibrant communal celebration.
Architecture of a Living Tradition
The architecture of Bongan Village creates a powerful backdrop to the Mesuryak ritual. Family compounds feature traditional gateways that frame the offerings while shrines stand ready to receive prayers. The temples at the heart of the ceremony reflect classic Balinese craftsmanship with carved stonework tiered shrines and open courtyards that symbolize the meeting point between the human and divine realms.
These architectural elements do more than decorate the ritual. They shape the movement of the procession and anchor Mesuryak firmly within the spiritual geography of the village.
Continuity in a Modern Age
Despite social changes and evolving lifestyles the people of Bongan Village preserve Mesuryak with unwavering commitment. For them tradition is not a performance staged for visitors but a living inheritance that strengthens identity community and spiritual balance. By sustaining Mesuryak they honor their ancestors and celebrate prosperity in its most meaningful form.
