The Mesuryak tradition originates from Bongan Village, located in the Tabanan Regency of Bali. Although the exact date of its origin is unclear, Mesuryak has been passed down through generations.
This tradition is part of the Kuningan Day celebration, which occurs every 210 days in the Balinese calendar, precisely ten days after Galungan Day. On Kuningan Day, it is believed that ancestral spirits who visited the world during Galungan return to the afterlife.
Mesuryak is carried out in a festive and communal atmosphere. The day begins with prayers at individual homes, followed by rituals at the Merajan Temple (family shrine) and Kahyangan Tiga Temples. After the religious ceremonies, villagers gather in the temple courtyards or open areas to perform the main ritual.
During this ritual, people joyfully toss coins and paper money into the air, which are then scrambled for by others. The money used is part of the offerings that have been blessed earlier. The event usually takes place between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as it’s believed that after noon, the ancestral spirits have already departed for the afterlife.
Spiritually, Mesuryak is a symbolic farewell gesture to ancestral spirits. By offering money and blessings, the community hopes their ancestors will return peacefully and bring prosperity to their descendants.
Socially, the tradition strengthens the bonds among community members. The joyous and energetic atmosphere reflects the Balinese spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation (gotong royong).
Today, Mesuryak is still actively preserved by the people of Bongan Village. While it remains a local tradition, it has begun to attract domestic and international tourists intrigued by Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
The community continues to involve younger generations in the celebration to ensure the continuity of the tradition. Though not yet widely known across Bali, Mesuryak stands as a cultural gem that reflects the island’s unique spiritual identity.
Mesuryak is more than just a ritual—it is a cultural legacy that intertwines spiritual devotion and social unity. Through this tradition, the Balinese not only honor their ancestors but also cultivate harmony within the community. Preserving this meaningful practice is essential to keeping the values and wisdom of Balinese culture alive for future generations. (BT)
Image source: ranggatab via Info Denpasar
