Banjar Pande Mas Kuta

“A raffle for a Barong? How curious,” you might think, standing here before Banjar Pande Mas Kuta. This banjar, a traditional Balinese community, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant hub of culture and tradition, deeply intertwined with the legendary Barong. Banjar Pande Mas Kuta in Kuta isn’t just any banjar. It’s the guardian of a sacred Barong, a mythical lion-like creature revered in Balinese mythology. In October 2023, the banjar began an ambitious fundraising effort. Their goal? To conduct a “Penyucian Pelawatan Barong,” a ritual cleansing and restoration of their beloved Barong and its pelawatan, or shrine. They aimed to raise around 700 million rupiah, a substantial sum reflecting the importance of this ritual. The community rallied together. They organized a raffle with prizes ranging from fans to a Honda Scoopy motorcycle. Over 9,000 raffle tickets were sold, generating over 231 million rupiah. They also sought donations, or “punia,” and approached local businesses for support. By January 2024, they had amassed an impressive 600 million rupiah, nearly reaching their target. This Penyucian Pelawatan is more than just a cleaning. It’s a reaffirmation of the banjar’s devotion to the Barong and a vital act of cultural preservation. The ceremony involves purification rites, the “Ngerehang” (re-dressing of the Barong), and performances of Calonarang (a ritual dance drama) and Tangkil (a procession to the Pura Dalem Ped temple). The Banjar Pande Mas Kuta’s dedication to preserving their traditions is inspiring. Their fundraising efforts demonstrate the community’s deep respect for their cultural heritage, ensuring the Barong continues to protect and inspire for generations to come.