Perang Pandan / Pandan fights / Mekare-kare

Perang Pandan or Mekare-kare (Pandanus war) is held at Tenganan Pegringsingan and Tenganan Dauh Tukad, Karangasem. This combat comes simultaneously with a temple celebration called Usaba Sambah to appease Lord Indra, the chief deity for Tenganan people. During the Pandanus War, young men combat with one another by using thorny pandanus and rattan shield. They try to injure each other by using the thorns. Wounds on their bodies are the most pleasing offering to Lord Indra. This festival is held every year in Sasih Sada (June) in Tenganan Pegringsingan, and in Sasih Kasa (July) in Tenganan Dauh Tukad. Both villages have a different calendar from the Balinese calendar (and from eachother): in their village it is Sasih Kalima (the fifth month on their respective calendars). The meaning of this ceremony is as a rite of passage from teenage to adulthood. But then not only adolescents join this festival, but also children and adults - but only male. The ritual is dedicated to the god Indra. The participants are very enthusiastic and never feel hurt because of the wounds on their bodies.