Ngaben: Facts about The Cremation Ceremony in Bali

VIVA – Ngaben, a Balinese sacred ceremonial ritual, is one of the most important cultural events. It’s a cremation ceremony where families send off the deceased known to enter the “next” life.

In Hindu, ngaben means to separate the soul from the body, which is done in this ritual through cremation.

This ceremony normally isn’t taken immediately after one’s death. It must take place on a particular day as calculated by the Balinese calendar or recommended by the priest.

A lot of time will also be required for the preparation, ranging from weeks until months for bigger ceremonies. Some families also wait a few years after their family has passed away, since a lot of money is needed to pay all the expenses.

Here are 5 other facts about Ngaben that must you know:

1. Hindu Cremation

Ngaben is another name for a cremation ceremony for the dead, with the intention of the family sending the deceased to enter the "next" life. In Hindu language, Ngaben means separating the soul from the body, which is done in this ritual through cremation.

Before the ceremony begins, the family members of the deceased prepare a wooden ox that used to hold and place the corpse which will then be burned.

In Hinduism, besides being believed to be a creator god, Lord Brahma has a form as the God of Fire. So, the Ngaben ceremony is a process of purifying the spirit by burning it so that the fire can return to the Creator. Fire is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Brahma.

The fire will burn everything to the dirt that clings to the bodies and spirits of the deceased.

2. Ox Bade Ngaben Ceremony in Bali

When wooden oxen and bade like temple structures are brought to the cremation site. Usually Balinese will try to confuse the deceased's spirit, making sure the deceased doesn't find his way home.

The Balinese shake the ox, twist it, throw things at it with a throw that is not deep in a straight line, this is meant only to confuse the spirit.

3. Scatter Ash in the Sea

Next, the family follows some rituals that are done by a priest. After completing the ritual, the wooden ox is burned, sending the deceased to the "next" life. The family took the ashes and scattered them in the sea.

In religion and belief, especially Hindus in Bali, those who have died, their ashes are thrown into sea water because life will return to its origin, which is water.

4. A Long and Rousing Death Procession

Unlike the other death ceremony, the ceremony of Ngaben is celebrated with great fanfare by Balinese people because this ceremony shows that family members have completed their duties. There should be no tears of sadness because the Balinese believe that it will hinder the spirit of reaching their next life.

This ceremony is usually not performed immediately after a person dies. It must happen on a certain day calculated by the Balinese calendar or recommended by the priest.

It also takes a lot of time to prepare, it can take from weeks to months for the larger Ngaben ceremonies because of the many costs that are required to pay all costs incurred.

5. Bulk Ngaben

Each year, Ngaben ceremony can be collective, it is known as Bulk Ngaben or Ngaben process which is carried out together. In Bulk Ngaben, some people were cremated at once. One of the goals is reducing the cost. However, Hindu priests or religious leaders will usually be cremated immediately.

In the other side, a kingdom family will need some months for prepare for a general cremation ceremony. This is because the procession takes up to 3 days for individuals with higher castes.

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The fire will burn everything to the dirt that clings to the bodies and spirits of the deceased.