Tek-Tekan Nangkluk Merana Tradition Struggles Ahead of Nyepi in Kediri, Tabanan

Tek-Tekan Nangkluk Merana is a sacred tradition in Kediri Customary Village, Tabanan, Bali. The tradition is held by local residents and banjar community members in the period preceding Nyepi Day.

Bendesa Adat (village chief) Kediri, Ida Bagus Ketut Arsana, explained that the Tek Tekan Nangkluk Merana tradition is a ritual intended to ward off disease outbreaks and pests in the Kediri Customary Village area. This pre-Nyepi tradition has been passed down through generations and continues to be preserved today.

“Residents from seven banjar will circle the village whilst sounding the okokan and other traditional instruments. This tradition is intended to seek safety and harmony in the village area ahead of Nyepi,” said Arsana on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

There are several preparations before the tradition is conducted. One of these includes a purification ceremony for the okokan and kentongan (wooden percussion instruments) that will be used during the Tek-Tekan Nangkluk Merana activity.

Arsana stated that the series of traditions will last for six days from 12-17 March 2026. According to him, the tradition is followed by all residents from seven banjar in Kediri Customary Village.

Meanwhile, residents of Banjar Sema, Kediri Village, have already held a purification ceremony for the instruments on Saturday, 7 March 2026. The ceremony took place at Beji Bingin in Kediri Customary Village.

“The okokan, kentongan, and baleganjur equipment are purified first so that when used in the activity, their sanctity is maintained,” said Kelian Banjar Sema (banjar chief), I Ketut Budi Muliawan.

Muliawan explained that this tradition holds not only religious significance as a symbol of warding off calamity, but also serves as an opportunity to strengthen unity among banjar residents in preserving tradition and ancestral heritage.