The Sacred Balinese Tradition that Stops the Traffic

You might not expect it while travelling toward Kintamani, Amed, or Bali’s northern coast, but in villages like Bungkulan, the road can suddenly come to a complete stop for a sacred Ida Bhatara procession. When this happens, everyone locals and visitors alike respectfully waits until the ceremony has passed.

One of the important traditions where this takes place is Ngusaba Desa, a significant village ceremony celebrated across Bali, especially in Bungkulan Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency. The village is located around 20 minutes east of Lovina by car. 

Ngusaba Desa is a thanksgiving ceremony held by the Desa Adat (traditional village community) to express gratitude to God and ancestral spirits for protection, prosperity, and harmony. It is also a time for spiritual purification and strengthening the bonds within the community.

The ceremony is usually held around Purnama Jyestha, the full moon of the Balinese month of Jyestha, which traditionally coincides with the harvest season.

Centered at Pura Desa Bungkulan, the ceremony continues through the village’s main roads as the community accompanies Ida Bhatara around the temples and sacred areas of the village. Because the procession often passes through public roads, locals and visitors are expected to stop their vehicles, step aside respectfully, and allow the procession to continue undisturbed.

In Balinese belief, showing respect during a sacred procession helps maintain spiritual balance and harmony. For this reason, people are strongly encouraged not to interrupt the ceremony, honk their horns, or behave disrespectfully. Rather than taking photos, many locals prefer to quietly observe and appreciate the sacred atmosphere and deep cultural meaning of the tradition.