In the tranquil village of Kayuputih, located in Banjar District, Buleleng Regency, Bali, a time-honored tradition called Nyakan Diwang continues to thrive.
This unique cultural practice takes place the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, when villagers gather outside their homes to cook together over open flames.
Beyond its role as a post-Nyepi ritual, Nyakan Diwang serves as a reflection of deep philosophical values and a symbol of community unity.
Nyakan Diwang is more than just a cooking event—it’s part of a series of purification ceremonies that surround the Nyepi celebration. Each stage carries symbolic meaning aimed at cleansing both the physical and spiritual environment:
- Melasti: A Cleansing Process
The ritual preparations begin days before Nyepi with Melasti, a purification ceremony held at the sea. This procession involves washing away negative forces, symbolized by offerings cast into the water, and collecting tirta pemarisuda (holy water) for future use.
- Mecaru and Mebuwu-buwu: Purifying the Village
On the evening of Tilem Kesanga (the dark moon preceding Nyepi), a Pecaruan ceremony is performed at the village center to balance cosmic energies and drive away negativity.
Each household then creates a temporary outdoor stove, or pawon, in front of their home. The purification continues with mebuwu-buwu, where villagers sprinkle holy water around shrines, temples, and courtyards to ensure that the area remains spiritually clean during the Nyepi period.
- Nyepi: The Day of Silence
The heart of the tradition lies in Nyepi itself, a 24-hour period dedicated to introspection and stillness. Residents observe Catur Brata Penyepian, which includes refraining from lighting fires, working, traveling, and engaging in entertainment.
Those unable to adhere to these strict rules may retreat to quiet spots near water sources, reflecting the emphasis on maintaining harmony with nature.
When Nyepi concludes at midnight, the sound of the kulkul (a traditional wooden bell) signals the start of Ngembak Geni, and with it, Nyakan Diwang.
Families light the pawon stoves they built earlier and begin cooking meals outdoors. This act of cooking at the threshold of their homes has a deeper meaning.
The fire, representing purification, is believed to ward off lingering negative energies, restoring balance to the household before resuming daily life.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Nyakan Diwang strengthens social ties. While the food cooks, neighbors visit one another, share stories, exchange dishes, and extend apologies for any past grievances.
This exchange fosters a spirit of forgiveness, unity, and gratitude that resonates throughout the community.
The continued success of Nyakan Diwang depends on the active involvement of younger generations. In Kayuputih, children and teenagers are encouraged to participate by helping gather firewood, bricks, and other materials needed for the ritual.
This hands-on involvement not only keeps the tradition alive but also instills essential values such as teamwork, respect for elders, and the importance of cultural heritage.
Despite its profound meaning, Nyakan Diwang remains relatively unknown outside the region due to limited exposure and documentation.
However, the villagers of Kayuputih are determined to preserve it, recognizing its role in maintaining cultural identity and social harmony.
For them, participating in Nyakan Diwang is not just an obligation but a source of pride and a way to honor their ancestors.
Nyakan Diwang represents more than a post-Nyepi cooking ritual—it embodies a philosophy that values balance, community, and respect for tradition.
By safeguarding this practice, the people of Kayuputih are preserving a vital piece of Bali’s cultural heritage, ensuring that its lessons of unity, purification, and gratitude continue to inspire future generations in an ever-changing world. (BT)
Foto Suorce; Sinmanwa Unud
