Ngereh: A Mystical Ritual Performed in the Graveyard at Midnight

Ngereh is a sacred ritual in spiritual tradition that involves a series of prayers, chants, and special ceremonies aimed at invoking spiritual power. This ritual is usually conducted at night in cemetery areas or graveyards, which are believed to be rich in spiritual energy. The selection of a graveyard as the ritual site holds profound significance, as it is seen as the final resting place for ancestors and spirits who have passed on, making the supernatural energy in these places believed to be stronger and able to establish a deeper connection with the spiritual dimension.

In practice, Ngereh is often intended to "infuse" or "strengthen" a person’s spiritual energy, especially for those in need of protection or additional strength to face various life challenges. Participants hope that the energy obtained from the supernatural forces present can bring inner peace, courage, and protection from negative influences. Thus, Ngereh is not merely a ritual but also a bridge between humans and the spiritual realm, a way to harmonize oneself with the spiritual powers present in the universe. This ritual carries deep meaning for its followers, as it reflects both reverence for ancestors and a way to seek blessings and protection from invisible forces.

Sesuhunan (Source: Personal Collection)

The Ngereh ritual aims to access sacred and supernatural spiritual power, a force beyond ordinary human capabilities that can only be obtained through a deep connection with the spiritual realm. In Balinese belief, the spiritual and physical worlds are closely interconnected, where each realm influences and complements the other. This belief gives graveyards a significant place, as they are viewed as sites of convergence for the energies of ancestors or guardian spirits who possess extraordinary spiritual power.

Through the Ngereh ritual, participants seek to establish communication with these forces in the hope of gaining blessings, protection, or unique spiritual strength that cannot be obtained through conventional means. Ngereh is regarded as a bridge enabling a connection between humans and ancestral spirits, allowing the spiritual energy of these spirits to be transferred to those participating in the ritual. This power is believed to provide courage, inner peace, and resilience in facing various life challenges, making this ritual an important means for the Balinese community to maintain balance between the physical world and the spiritual realm.

Preparition Before Ngereh (Source: Personal Collection)

The Ngereh Ritual Procession begins at midnight, which is believed to be the time when spiritual energy reaches its peak, making contact with the spirit world most optimal. At this powerful time, a pemangku or spiritual leader presides over the ceremony, usually beginning with deep meditation and a series of special prayers to focus energy and invite transcendental forces into the ritual.

As part of the ritual, various carefully prepared offerings, or sesajen, are placed around the ceremonial area. These offerings include symbols of reverence to ancestors and spiritual entities, with the purpose of summoning these energies, creating an atmosphere conducive to fostering a connection between the human world and the spiritual realm. The leader of the ceremony will recite sacred mantras solemnly, asking for blessings and protection from ancestors and guardian spirits believed to be present at the site.

In certain processions, the ritual involves the use of holy water, or tirta, and the burning of incense, which serve to cleanse the energy around the ritual area and help open a clearer path of communication with the spirit world. Tirta is believed to bring purity and strengthen spiritual aura, while incense deepens the bond with spiritual energies through aroma and smoke, which are thought to penetrate the boundaries of the physical and spiritual worlds. Thus, the entire Ngereh procession becomes a ceremony rich with meaning and filled with sacred symbols, intended to attain power, blessings, and protection from the transcendental realm for those participating in the ritual.

Ngereh (Source: Personal Collection)

Mystical Atmosphere and the Philosophy Behind Ngereh Ngereh is not just a ceremony; it is also a ritual that teaches the philosophy of life in Bali, known as Tri Hita Karana. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships between humans and God, among humans, and with nature, including the spiritual realm. Through this ritual, it is hoped that individuals can live in harmony with the universe and the unseen forces that exist within it.