Amidst the rhythmic pounding of the gong, the air crackles with energy as dozens of villagers fall into a deep trance.
Their bodies tremble, their eyes glaze over, and suddenly, as if possessed by an unseen force, they grab ceremonial kris daggers.
With intense cries, they slash their arms, backs, and even press the sharp blades against their chests. Yet, astonishingly, not a single one of them seems to feel pain.
This is the ancient Daratan or Narat ritual, a sacred tradition carried out by the people of Selumbung Village, Karangasem, Bali.
Practiced for generations, it takes place as part of the grand Ngusaba Puseh ceremony, an offering of devotion to the divine.
A Journey into Trance
The ritual begins in the late afternoon as the village’s sacred wooden slit drum (kentongan) resounds through the air.
This is the call to gather. Male participants, each carrying a kris, assemble at the village crossroads and in front of Pura Desa, the village temple.
Before Narat begins, they partake in Mesuryak, a preliminary procession where they unsheathe their daggers and raise them high, chanting fervently as they move towards Pura Puseh.
As they arrive at the temple, the energy escalates. Some participants begin to tremble uncontrollably, their voices rising in wild cries.
The moment the powerful beats of the gong echo through the temple courtyard, their trance deepens—this is known as kepangluh or kerauhan, a state of possession where divine forces are believed to enter their bodies.
The Ritual of Narat
Once in trance, the participants grab their kris and begin the ritual self-mortification. The men, moving in a frenzied state, slash at their arms and stomachs, seemingly oblivious to pain.
Blood drips from their wounds, yet they continue with unshaken enthusiasm. Women also take part in the ritual but do so through dance, carrying offerings of canang (flower arrangements) instead of kris.
The ritual space, located in the central courtyard (Jaba Tengah) of Pura Puseh, transforms into a scene of raw spiritual energy.
As the sun sets, the intensity only increases. More villagers, overcome by divine force, rush into the center, joining the sacred rite.
The relentless sound of the gamelan fuels the trance, building the atmosphere into a crescendo of mysticism and devotion.
A Divine Calling
The belief behind Narat is deeply spiritual. Participants are not merely performing an act of physical endurance but are seen as vessels chosen by the gods.
It is said that those who enter the trance state have been ‘kelinggihan’—selected by the divine.
For this reason, despite the self-inflicted wounds, they experience no pain or harm. Some even carry two kris at once, further showcasing the mystical power at work.
The Structure of Ngusaba Puseh
The Narat ritual is performed twice during the six-day-long Ngusaba Puseh ceremony. The event follows a structured sequence:
- Kejaba – The initial preparations.
- Pebantenan – The offering rituals.
- Pengeramean – The first gathering, coinciding with the first Narat ritual.
- Nyuwung – A stage of purification and continued prayers.
- Puncak Ngusaba – The peak of the festival, where the most sacred ceremonies take place.
- Mantuk – The closing of the ritual cycle, marked by a second and final Narat ritual.
The Enduring Legacy
Despite the raw intensity of Narat, it remains a cherished and revered tradition, deeply embedded in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Selumbung Village.
For outsiders, witnessing the ritual is an awe-inspiring experience—an encounter with an ancient, mystical practice that defies logic and embodies the profound spiritual depth of Bali.
As the last echoes of the gamelan fade and the trance subsides, the participants return to their normal state, their wounds miraculously painless.
Another Narat has been completed, reaffirming the bond between the people, their ancestors, and the divine forces that guide them.
The magic of this sacred tradition lives on, a testament to Bali’s rich and powerful spiritual heritage. (BT)
