The celebration of Kuningan Day at Hyang Api temple in Kelusa Village, Payangan, Gianyar Regency was enliven by one month cock fighting or what local called as Tajen.

“Since Saturday, there were many people came and bring their cock for this massive cock fighting at Hyang Api temple” said I Wayan Yoga Sudira, Banjar Keliki Kawan citizen in Kelusa village.

This massive cock fighting is part of Hindu traditional ritual in Bali in celebrating Kuningan Day falls every once in six month. This cock fighting is payment symbolization to Bhatara or God sit at that temple.

People starting to gather at the Cock fighting area in Hyang Api temple from 06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. “The event run for one month seven days,” Wayan Yoga said.

Those cock fighter owner starting to find their rival to make an agreement thus the fight started. Every cock comes with spur tied at it left. “The two cocks can fight anywhere as long as it still in the boundary of Hyang Api temple,” Wayan Yoga said. There are lots of them lay bets on that fighting though they believe not as a form of gamble.

“It was tradition. We do it since we believe that all cattle would die if we don’t,” said villager head, I Wayan Suda.

According to him, that ritual is part of action to ask for God’s protection toward their cattle.

I Wayan Kertiyasa, Petulu Village citizen, Ubud District of Gianyar Regency confessed that he joined the ceremonial every year at this Hyang Api temple.

“At the temple I also asked for holy water for my cattles,” Wayan Kertiyasa said.

News by Antara Bali