The Sasak are the dominant ethnic group inhabiting the island of Lombok, in West Nusatenggara, adjacent to Bali. Bau in the Lombok language means “to-catch” and Nyale is a type of sea worm that surfaces only around this time of the year. Therefore, Bau Nyale is the festive ceremony when large crowds catch the Nyale along a number of Lombok’s finest beaches. This year the event will take place the Kaliantan Beach, at the Pemongkong village, in the Jerowaru district, in East Lombok.
The festival will also feature many traditional competitions such as Bekayaq, Cilokaq, Peresean, Begambus, Berbalas pantun, and rowing boat races. As a grand event of the people of Lombok the Bau Nyale festival will also present various art performances, such as: the Wayang Kulit (Leather puppets Show), Penginang Robek, and the theatrical play on the legend of the Nyale Princess. The festival will not only be packed with local Sasak but are also participated by the local authorities, as well as spectators from around the world.
The locals believe, that the Nyale are not just regular worms, but are considered as sacred creatures that bring prosperity to those who honor it, or misfortune to those who ignore it. This belief was based on a legend of princess Mandalika.
Legend has it that back in days gone by, there lived a beautiful princess named Mandalika. Stories about her beauty reached every corner of the island; so that many a prince fell in love with her and were eager to wed her. Competing to win her, they created an upheaval throughout the island. Seeing this, the princess was saddened and longed for peace in the land. To end the chaos, Princess Mandalika threw herself into the sea. Her people tried to recover her body, but found instead an abundance of sea worms, known today as Nyale. Thus, Nyale are believed to be the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika. To this day the Nyale appear once a year on the beach, and are considered as the once beautiful princess who pays a visit to her people.
One of the most important events for the Sasak people, the Bau Nyale ceremony is a ritual where glorious tradition meets an enchanting scenery. And as villagers, government authorities and visitors flock to the beach, everyone becomes part of an acient tradition. As a chance to experience the exotic culture with a splendid backdrop of a magical view of the island, Bau Nyale is surely a celebration worth participating.
The Nyale ceremony is also known on the neighbouring island of Sumba, where the ceremony is followed by the Pasola Jousting Festival.
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