One of the unique traditions of the Bali Aga of Tenganan is Mekaré-kare, or Pandan War, where men fight each other using thorny “pandanus” leaves. This ritual honours Dewa Indra, God of War, and is usually held around June and July each year. Mekaré-kare is the culmination of a month long ceremony Ngusaba Sambah and is organised 2-4 times, accompanied with offerings to the ancestors.
The ancient village of Tenganan Pegringsingan in East Bali is home to the Bali Aga, descendants of the original Balinese. The Bali Aga of Tenganan still follow their pre-Hindu rules and traditions and do not recognise casts like the Balinese Hindu do. They follow written rules inherited