Tradition is a part of the daily practice of the Balinese. Like Ngelawang, for example, is believed to be a tradition to prevent any bad things. The community are dancing the Barong Bangkung around the village with a set of musical instruments. Are you interested in witnessing this ritual?

Ngelawang Barong Bangkung is performed before or after Kuningan and before Galungan. Between the two holy days, children and teenagers go around the village and play the Barong Bangkung dance. Ngelawang itself is taken from the word 'lawang' which means the door. Ngelawang means knocking at every door of the villagers' homes with the aim of expelling negative things that harm the community. This tradition is also believed to be able to protect the population from the plague or disease caused by the spirits of Bhuta. In the Ngelawang tradition, Barong Bangkung and gamelan sounds are used as the main media to reject the evil spirit. They hope hope that the Bhuta Kala, with all the power they have, can return to their place without causing any harm in the world. That said, Ngelawang originated from the mythology of Dewi Ulun Danu who turned into a giant shaped Barong Bangkung (barong pig figure). She helped the villagers in Bali drive away evil spirits and heal the plague. Previously, this ritual was sacred. If the barong hairs are scattered, then residents will pick it up as a good luck item.

In Ngelawang Barong Bangkung, Barong shaped Bangkung (an old pig) is played by two people. The music is kinda different from any other barong dance music in Bali. The music in Ngelawang Barong Bangkung tends to be rhythmic and dynamic.

The dance will be accompanied by musical instruments and paraded around the village. The village will be crowded. And sometimes, some people in the village will give some money to the players.

Barong Bangkung and its gamelan musicians consist of 6 to 15 children and teenagers. The tradition of Ngelawang Barong Bangkung can easily be found in every village in all regencies in Bali. Even though the dancers will wear different clothes from one area to another, they have the same goal of rejecting any bad things.

Besides aiming to dispel bad and negative things, Ngelawang Barong Bangkung also builds a cheerful atmosphere and shows the beauty of togetherness. The cheerful atmosphere can be enjoyed both by the people of Bali and also by tourists. Well, if you visit Bali at a moment before or after Kuningan Day, you can see the ritual for yourself!