In the time of gods and legends, Tenganan was a sanctuary blessed by Indra, the Hindu God of War. According to local lore, Indra bestowed his blessings upon the village, granting its people strength, courage, and the indomitable spirit of warriors. To honor Indra, the villagers established a ritual combat, using the thorny sharp-leaved pandanus, as a tribute to their deity. Every year, as the first rays of the sun herald the arrival of June, Tenganan Pegringsingan transforms into a hive of activity. All walks of life are preparing for the Usaba Sambah rite with reverence and anticipation. The annual rite is a grand ceremony of the village's rich heritage and approaching its peak for the legendary Pandan War. But before the warriors step into the arena, another sacred tradition unfolds, one that is as crucial as the battle itself—the Ngastiti Ritual, a deeply spiritual preparation undertaken by the women of the village.
The Ngastiti Ritual is a time-honored tradition where the Daha (women) of Tenganan Pegringsingan invoke blessings, protection, and strength for the Teruna (men) who will participate in the Pandan War. This ritual, imbued with reverence and meticulous care, highlights the vital role women play in maintaining the spiritual and cultural fabric of their community. As the first light of dawn filters through the village, Daha begin their preparations. Clad in traditional kebayas, their fingers deftly work with materials that have been passed down through generations.
On the day of the Pandan War, the village is a mosaic of activity. The men, prepared for battle, are a sight to behold, but it is the women who have laid the foundation for this day. They carry the offerings to the village temple, where a final round of blessings is performed. The temple, adorned with the fragrant banten and shimmering geringsing cloths, becomes a sanctuary of divine energy. As the warriors take their positions, the women stand by, a silent but powerful force of support. They have poured their love, prayers, and strength into the preparations, ensuring that the spirit of the Pandan War transcends mere physical combat.
The combatants, known as "mekaré-kare," line up, their eyes gleaming with determination and respect. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the sound of sacred Selonding music, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and exhilarating. This is not a battle of enmity, but a ceremonial display of bravery and camaraderie. The Pandan War is not merely a test of physical endurance but a celebration of unity and tradition. After each bout, the combatants embrace, signifying the absence of malice. Their wounds are tended to with a mixture of turmeric and herbs, a traditional remedy that heals both body and soul.
As the sun sets, the village erupts in festivity. Feasts are prepared, dances are performed, and stories of past Pandan Wars are recounted by the elders. The air is filled with laughter and joy, as the community revels in their shared heritage and the bonds that hold them together. Another sacred tradition takes center stage, the Mayunan Tradition, which rich in symbolism and spiritual significance, is an integral part of the festival, bridging the physical and metaphysical realms.
The Pandan War is more than a ritual; it is the living heartbeat of Tenganan Pegringsingan. A testament to the village's enduring spirit, its reverence for tradition, and its unyielding connection to the divine. In this annual ceremony, the villagers of Tenganan find not just a link to their past, but a source of strength for the future. And so, year after year, the Pandan War continues, a vibrant of courage, faith, and community, woven into the very fabric of Tenganan Pegringsingan.
