RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - Becoming a dalang, a traditional Balinese puppet master, requires more than technical skill in manipulating wayang (puppets) and mastering epic narratives. It also demands a sacred spiritual process, one of which is the ritual of pawintenan.

According to Jro Dalang Pande Ketut Kaca Winaya, pawintenan is a spiritual purification ceremony that every aspiring dalang must undergo before officially taking on the role.

“To become a dalang, it is mandatory to perform pawintenan, because a dalang is regarded as a sacred figure who imparts values of tattwa (philosophy), susila (ethics), and upakara (rituals) through wayang performances,” he explained.

The ritual serves to cleanse both body and soul, while seeking divine guidance so that the dalang can faithfully convey the teachings of dharma.

He emphasized that the ceremony cannot be performed casually. It is usually officiated by a sulinggih (Hindu priest) and conducted at a griya (traditional priestly residence).

“This is a profoundly sacred process. A dalang must also uphold discipline in speech, behavior, and daily conduct, so that the values of tattwa, susila, and upakara expressed through wayang truly serve as guidance and example for the Hindu community,” he added.

Winaya hopes the tradition of pawintenan will continue to be preserved and practiced according to the principles outlined in dharma pewayangan, ensuring the sanctity of Balinese puppetry remains intact. (Misni Parjiati/Sri Wahyuni)