Exploring the Ngusaba Bantal Tradition in Penglipuran Tourism Village: A Reflection of Gratitude Ahead of Nyepi

The Heritage of Tradition Behind the Charm of Penglipuran Village

Main Street of Penglipuran Village with Rows of Uniform Angkul-angkul (Source: Personal Collection)

When hearing the name Penglipuran Village, located in Bangli Regency, most people will immediately imagine the neatly paved straight street, rows of uniform angkul-angkul (traditional gates), and the clean environment that once earned the village recognition by UNESCO as one of the cleanest villages in the world. Yet the beauty of Penglipuran does not stop at its physical order. What makes it truly special is the cultural breath in the form of traditions passed down through generations, making the village timeless against modernity.

One of these sacred traditions is Ngusaba Bantal, a thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest held annually before Nyepi Day. For the people of Penglipuran, this ceremony is not merely an offering, but a manifestation of harmony between humans, nature, and the Creator, reflecting the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana.

Why is it Called Ngusaba Bantal?

Jaje Bantal, the Main Offering in the Ngusaba Bantal Tradition (Source: Personal Collection)

For the Balinese, Ngusaba is a religious ceremony as an expression of gratitude and prayer to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa for continued prosperity and safety. Each region has its own unique Ngusaba tradition. In Penglipuran Village, the tradition is known as Ngusaba Bantal, named after its main offering, jaje bantal, a traditional cake made from glutinous rice. This ceremony is held once a year before Nyepi Day, precisely in Sasih Kesanga or the ninth month of the Balinese calendar, centered at Pura Ratu Sakti Mas Ayu Manik Melasem.

Preparations Before the Ngusaba Bantal Ceremony

Pura Ratu Sakti Mas Ayu Manik Melasem, Venue of the Ngusaba Bantal Ceremony (Source: Personal Collection)

Preparations for Ngusaba Bantal begin six days before the main event. On the first day, the people of Penglipuran Village perform ngaturang piuning at Pura Ratu Sakti Mas Ayu Manik Melasem, a prayer offering to ensure that the entire ceremony runs smoothly.

Penglipuran Village still preserves the traditional way of mepengarah, an official announcement to all krama or villagers, where officials walk along the main street announcing upcoming customary activities. Five days before the peak of Ngusaba Bantal, officials announce mepenge baas ketan, signaling each family to prepare glutinous rice, the main ingredient later processed into jaje bantal.

Jaje Bantal, Sacred Offering in Ngusaba Bantal

Banten Offerings Presented during the Ngusaba Bantal Ceremony (Source: Personal Collection)

At first glance, jaje bantal looks simple. Made from glutinous rice, wrapped in ron leaves or aren leaves, and tied with bamboo strings into a small bolster shape. Yet within its modest form lies sacred value upheld by the people of Penglipuran Village.

In the Ngusaba Bantal ceremony, jaje bantal consists of white bantal, made from pure glutinous rice, and red bantal, made from glutinous rice mixed with palm sugar. The jaje bantal offered is considered pingit or sacred, and thus may not be eaten before being presented. If someone wishes to taste it, the cake must first be dropped to the ground while saying “hus… hus… hus” to signify the loss of its sanctity. This reflects how the community values the spiritual meaning of each offering, aligned with the Hindu belief of sukla, meaning pure and holy.

The banten offering in the Ngusaba Bantal ceremony consists of 22 bantal cakes, namely 11 white bantal and 11 red bantal, forming the base layer. On top of them are arranged fruits from the harvest, while at the peak is placed a canang made of ron leaves, decorated with blue and yellow flowers with a pinch of tobacco in the center. This banten arrangement is not mere decoration but follows standard rules passed down from generation to generation, proving the community’s loyalty in preserving their ancestral traditions.

The Peak of the Ngusaba Bantal Ceremony

Petabuhan Procession Performed by 76 Women as a Symbol of Each Family (Source: Personal Collection)

On the main day of the Ngusaba Bantal ceremony, the procession takes place at Pura Ratu Sakti Mas Ayu Manik Melasem from 06.00 WITA until around 11.00 WITA. One of the most distinctive parts is the petabuhan ritual, where 76 women villagers take turns pouring palm wine into the offerings. This number reflects the households in the main settlement of Penglipuran Village, ensuring that every family is represented in the ritual.

The entire ceremony is led by Jro Kubayan, following the leadership system of the Bali Aga or hulu apad practiced in Penglipuran Village. The duty of Jro Kubayan is to ensure that the Ngusaba Bantal ceremony proceeds in an orderly manner according to customary rules, solemnly guiding each stage of the ritual from beginning to end.

The Continuity of Tradition in Penglipuran Village

Ngusaba Bantal is not just an annual ritual, but an essential part of tradition that sustains the cultural preservation of Penglipuran Village. This tradition teaches the community to be grateful for the harvest and to honor nature as the source of life.

The beauty of Penglipuran lies not only in its recognition as one of the cleanest villages or its neat spatial layout, but also in the local wisdom that continues to thrive among its people. The Ngusaba Bantal ceremony is proof that a village can endure not only physically, but also spiritually and culturally—a heritage continuously preserved and passed down from generation to generation.