An art performance is not just a mere entertainment. Just like a traditional dance on the Island of the Gods, for example. Symbolically, the graceful body of the dancer wants to convey meaning, with Sidakarya Mask Dance. This mask dance is played just before the religious ceremony takes place. This dance actually becomes a prerequisite for a religious ritual. Behind its sacredness, this dance keeps a long story.

The Sidakarya Mask Dance departs from a story about a Brahmin Keling who was not allowed to attend the Eka Dasa Rudra Ceremony at Besakih Temple after a long journey. Raja Waturenggong forbade the Brahmin Keling from attending the ceremony because of his shabby appearance and did not depict the figure of a brahmin. Because he was not recognized as a brahmin, he was later expelled from Besakih Temple. When he left the temple, he took an oath. He vowed that drought and disaster would occur. After leaving, the light of the expletive spoken by Brahmin Keling came true. In the midst of the disaster, the King then asked for instructions in meditation. The King got a clue that an apology to the Brahmin Keling had to be spoken to overcome the disasters in the kingdom. At that time, the Brahmin Keling was at Sidakarya. Raja Waturenggong also apologized. Seeing the king's sincerity, Brahmin withdrew the oath he had made. Returning to the way it was before, King Waturenggong also recognized the Brahmin Keling as his brother and gave the title Brahmin Sidakarya or Dalem Sidakarya.

In the end, the King also said that every Hindu must perform the Nunas Tirtha Penyida Karya ceremony at Pesraman Dalem Sidakarya so that the work carried out became sidakarya (successful). Therefore, the Sidakarya Mask Dance is usually danced just before the Yad Ceremony takes place. It is intended that the desired intent can be granted. Because it is danced as a complement to religious rituals, the Sidakarya Mask Dance is included in the Wali Dance type.

You might never hear the name of the Sidakarya Mask Dance. Because this dance is only performed specifically. Sidakarya Mask Dance is played by male dancers wearing white masks. His mask is far from a handsome face. His eyes were slanted, his teeth stubbed, his face half human half demon, long shoulder-length hair, and wearing a white veil. Dancers usually carry bokoran containing canang sari, incense, yellow rice, and sekar ura. Before starting to dance, the dancers will recite sacred mantras so that the ceremony will run smoothly. After that, yellow rice was sprinkled around as a symbol of giving profit to Bhuta Kala so as not to disturb the peace of human life.

Every tradition and culture in Bali that becomes a daily practice always holds great meaning! Agree?