The Sanghyang Dance is a relic of pre-Hindu culture, traditionally performed to ward off plagues or protect against threats posed by black magic (Putra Agung, 1982: 6). Likewise, in Banjar Sesana Kerta Warsa Jangu, or Banjar Jangu, the Sanghyang Dance holds a sacred status and is only performed on special occasions. The sanctity of the dance is evidenced by the trance state of the dancers, who channel spiritual beings such as angels, Bojog (monkeys), Celeng (pigs), and Jaran (horses), mimicking the movements of these animals while in a trance. Remarkably, Banjar Sesana Kerta Warsa Jangu is home to a priceless cultural heritage: the various forms of the Sanghyang Dance. This type of dance is one of the most prominent in Bali. According to inventories conducted by the Bali Provincial Cultural Office in 2002, the Bali Provincial Cultural Heritage Preservation Center in 2016, and the Arts Division of the Bali Provincial Department of Education in 1993, Banjar Jangu features 17 distinct types of Sanghyang Dance, including:

• Sanghyang Dedari
• Sanghyang Bojog
• Sanghyang Kerek
• Sanghyang Celeng
• Sanghyang Memedi
• Sanghyang Tutup
• Sanghyang Jaran
• Sanghyang Lelipi
• Sanghyang Sri Putut
• Sanghyang Kuluk
• Sanghyang Teter
• Sanghyang Capah
• Sanghyang Sampat
• Sanghyang Sembe
• Sanghyang Lesung
• Sanghyang Dongkang
• Sanghyang Sele Prabhu

Among the various Sanghyang dances, several have been revitalized, including Sanghyang Jaran, Sanghyang Dedari, Sanghyang Tutup, Sanghyang Memedi, and Sanghyang Kerek. In 2020, these dances were revitalized through performances and workshops, bringing new life to these cultural traditions. Traditionally, the Sanghyang Dance in Banjar Kerta Warsa Jangu is a sacred (wali) dance, as evidenced by its performers. For example, the dancers of Sanghyang Dedari include children in their early puberty and adults, highlighting the sacred and religious-magical nature of the
dance.

According to the people's beliefs in Banjar Jangu, the Sanghyang Dance has long been performed as an offering to ward off plagues affecting the community, a tradition passed down by their ancestors. In addition to being a relic of pre-Hindu culture, the Sanghyang Dance is also a dance to balance human strength with the natural environment. It is believed that the dance promotes healing for the sick and fosters fertility in plants.

Meanwhile, in Banjar Sesana Kerta Warsa Jangu, the Sanghyang Dance is typically performed during the Piodalan ceremony in January. Additionally, the community may also hold performances on Galungan or Kuningan Day, depending on the local circumstances. Due to the sacredness of the Sanghyang Dance, if there is grief in the community, such as the passing of a resident, the performance is either postponed or canceled.

Uniquely, the Sanghyang Dance in Banjar Kerta Warsa Jangu differs in character from those performed elsewhere. In Banjar Jangu, the dance is highly sensitive to water, which often causes challenges during the rainy season, as the trance state frequently fails to occur.

Author : I Gusti Lanang Muliarta & Wayan Rupa