SERAYA, Bali — Hundreds of residents and foreign visitors gathered in eastern Bali on Thursday, November 5, as the fifth Seraya Culture Fest opened with Gebug Ende, a traditional stick-fighting ritual once performed to pray for rain.

The three-day festival, running through Saturday, November 7, is being held at Ki Kopang Field and Bias Lantang Beach in Seraya village, Karangasem regency. It brings together traditional performances, music, local businesses and community activities.

Gebug Ende was the main attraction on opening day, drawing spectators from Seraya and surrounding villages as well as international tourists, according to detikBali.

During the performance, two participants face each other carrying rattan sticks and round shields. They exchange blows while trying to defend themselves, in a contest that combines physical skill with a tradition deeply rooted in the community’s history.

Children also took part in Thursday’s performances, highlighting efforts to pass the custom on to younger generations.

More Than a Fighting Tradition

For the people of Seraya, Gebug Ende is more than a display of strength or combat skills.

The ritual has traditionally been associated with prayers for rain during prolonged dry seasons, reflecting the community’s agricultural heritage and relationship with nature.

I Made Salin, head of Seraya’s customary village, told those attending the opening ceremony that preserving Gebug Ende was a shared responsibility, particularly for younger generations.

He said the tradition had received recognition from Indonesian government ministries and expressed hope that it would continue to be practiced for generations to come.

Although the performance can involve forceful strikes and occasional injuries, it remains a cultural practice rather than an ordinary sporting contest.

Visitors Can Still Watch Until Saturday

This year’s festival carries the theme “Harmony of Art, Tradition, Nature & Culture” and aims to promote Seraya’s cultural and natural attractions while supporting the local community.

Organizing committee chairman I Wayan R. Supertama said the event also includes yoga activities, a fishing event, Balinese dance competitions, blood donation activities, music and opportunities for local small businesses.

Gebug Ende performances are scheduled daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, November 7.

The festival is taking place at Ki Kopang Field and Bias Lantang Beach, offering visitors a chance to explore a part of eastern Bali beyond the island’s busier tourism centers.

For those interested in Balinese traditions, the remaining two days provide an opportunity to watch Gebug Ende in the village where the custom has been preserved for generations.