Mesuryak in Bongan Village, Tabanan: Bali's Money-Throwing Kuningan Ritual

On every Kuningan holy day, the lanes of Bongan Village in Tabanan district turn into a stage of pure joy. Households fling banknotes into the air while cheering, and dozens of people scramble to catch them. The tradition is called Mesuryak, from suryak, meaning to cheer — and the money stands for provisions given to ancestral spirits who return to the afterlife that day.

The Meaning Behind the Thrown Money

In Balinese Hindu belief, ancestors descend to visit their descendants at Galungan and return to suargaloka ten days later, at Kuningan. Bongan families send them off with delight rather than grief. Besides banknotes, each household prepares banten pengadegan, an offering of rice, egg and pis bolong (old Chinese coins). The amount thrown depends on what each family can afford.

When and Where

• Held on every Kuningan, ten days after Galungan, recurring every 210 days — the Gregorian date shifts each year, so check a Balinese calendar before planning.
• The heart of the tradition is Banjar Bongan Gede, Bongan Village, Tabanan sub-district, Tabanan regency.
• It runs from morning until close to midday, generally around 09:00–12:00 WITA, after villagers finish praying at their family shrines and village temples. The ritual is believed to need completing before noon.

Viewing Etiquette

• Dress respectfully: a sarong with a sash, as a guest honouring a ceremony.
• Do not join the scramble for the money; that part belongs to local residents and children.
• Stand at the roadside so you never block the families doing the throwing.
• Ask permission before close-up photography, and avoid drones without the banjar’s consent.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Banjar Bongan Gede, Bongan Village, Tabanan — View on Google Maps
• How to attend: free, no ticket; arrive in the morning, park where the pecalang (village wardens) direct you, and greet residents or the banjar officials politely.
• Access: about 1 hour’s drive from Denpasar and about 1 hour from Canggu; a rented scooter or car is far more practical than public transport.
• Info & photos: search on Instagram

Because the ritual is over before midday, staying nearby the night before beats racing up from south Bali at dawn. A night in Tabanan town or Canggu trims the morning drive — browse AccessiaPass hotel vouchers for affordable stays close to the action.