Thousands from Songan complete pilgrimage to Besakih

Bangli — Thousands of residents of Songan, Kintamani, accompanied sacred figures from their village temple on a Nyegara Gunung pilgrimage to Pura Segara Watuklotok in Klungkung and Pura Agung Besakih in Karangasem on Oct. 7 and 8, 2026.

The procession formed part of the Karya Tawur Agung Manca Wali Krama at Pura Hulundanu Batur in Songan, a religious observance held every 10 years. After ceremonies at Watuklotok, the group continued to Besakih, where the sacred figures remained overnight. The rites also included a pakelam ceremony on Mount Agung before the sacred figures returned to Pura Hulundanu Batur on Oct. 8.

Why the Songan pilgrimage matters

For visitors and foreign residents, the event illustrates the scale and continuity of Bali’s temple traditions beyond the island’s tourism centers. The pilgrimage linked sacred sites in three regencies: Songan in Bangli, Watuklotok in Klungkung and Besakih in Karangasem. Its route also involved a large community movement and overnight religious observance at Bali’s major Besakih temple complex.

The Balipost report said the Nyegara Gunung procession was part of a ceremony at the Tri Kahyangan Jagat Pura Hulundanu Batur that had continued for nearly two months. The observance was expected to conclude with a closing ceremony on Oct. 9, after the return of the sacred figures and the completion of the remaining rites.

A separate NusaBali report described the planned route from Pura Hulundanu Batur through Pura Watu Klotok and Pura Besakih, followed by an overnight stay at Besakih and the return to Songan the next day. The report on preparations said the procession involved about 10,000 worshippers and escorts, though the event report itself described attendance as thousands of Songan residents.

Sources

• Balipost — Balinese news report
• NusaBali — Balinese news report
• cnnindonesia.com
• baliilu.com
• airial.travel