In Reply to: Cockfighting is not illegal posted by dadvet on Wednesday, 19. September 2007 at 09:58 Bali Time:
Cockfighting is illegal in Indonesia. The powers-to-be in Jakarta banned it in 1981. However, the fights still go on in gangs and in the villages throughout Bali . Cockfights (Tajen) are in fact a religious offering. Sometimes they take place at temple festivals [but not in the temple itself] only after receiving permission from the Banjar [whose members are proud owners of fighting cocks themselves]. It is believed that the blood spilt during these fights appeases the evil spirits known as Bhuta and Kala, and this will ensure prosperity with a village crop yield - a good harvest. There is one day when this blood-letting sport is very important and that is prior to Nyepi, the Day of Silence. In this case, any blood spilt on the ground actually purifies it making it like a kind of ‘hallowed turf'. This magnificent offering of purification is known as ‘Mecaru'