BANGLI, DEWATA.NEWS – The annual Ngusaba Kadasa ceremony at Ulun Danu Batur Temple in Kintamani reached a key highlight on Thursday (April 2, 2026), marked by the Mapepada Agung ritual accompanied by dozens of traditional gamelan ensembles.
The ritual was attended by strong community participation, with 67 gong ensembles (sekaa gong) taking part in the ceremonial procession. The event forms part of a larger religious observance that will continue through April 12, 2026.
Temple caretaker and ceremony coordinator for Ngusaba Kadasa 2026, Jero Gede Duhuran Batur, explained the significance of the Mapepada Agung ritual.
“This ritual is intended to purify ceremonial offerings and marks the moment when Ida Bhatara is present before the devotees,” he said. “In the afternoon, it continues with the Pujawali offering ceremony.”
The procession follows a traditional structure passed down through generations. Leading the procession are sacred performances representing Ida Bhatari, including Gong Gede, Angklung, and Baris dance, followed by groups from ten key villages known as Batun Sendi Ida Bhatari, such as Bayung Gede, Buahan, and Selulung.
Additional participation came from villages with long-standing historical ties to the temple, including Sebatu, Bunutan, and Tejakula, as well as communities from Tegalalang and Tampaksiring.
According to organizers, around 67 villages, communities, and banjar groups contributed to the ceremony, reflecting broad regional involvement.
“Even after the main ritual concluded, the procession of gong ensembles continued due to the large number of participants,” said Jero Penyarikan Duuran Batur.
The Ngusaba Kadasa series began on March 20, 2026, and includes multiple key rituals leading up to and following the peak ceremony. On April 1, the Bakti Pangodal ritual was held, during which sacred effigies (pratima and pralingga) were brought down and placed in the main ceremonial area.
The full sequence of ceremonies runs for 11 days from April 1 to April 12, featuring a range of core rituals including Pepada Agung, Wayon Agung, and Wayon Alit.
Organizers invite devotees from across Bali to attend and participate respectfully throughout the remaining days of the ceremony.
For international visitors, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness one of Bali’s major temple festivals, known for its scale, traditional music, and deep cultural significance.