Beritabali.com reports that the Ubud Palace (Puri Kantor Ubud) will stage a Mercaru Ngeresigana Kerubuhan Ceremony on Friday, 20 February 2026, as a response to the dramatic collapse of an ancient fig tree (pohon beringin) on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
A Bali Hindu Mecaru ceremony is performed to re-establish balance and harmony between mankind and nature. Also known as Butha Yadnya, the elaborate rituals seek to harmonize the five elements of nature: earth, water, air, fire, and ether.
Mecaru Ceremonies are considered essential and typically conducted in Bali following natural disasters. These rituals form an intrinsic part of the Island’s dogmatic, all-pervasive Tri Hita Karana Philosophy.
The Caretaker (Penglingsir) of the Ubud Royal Palace, Tjokorda Gede Putra Asmara Sukawati, said the Royal Household is seeking guidance from religious leaders on the proper rituals to follow during the Mecaru Ceremony.
Aerial View of Puri Kantor Ubud Fallen Tree Disaster Site
“Kami nunas pemargi selanturnyane (asked for advice on the next step) commented Sukawati.
The Royal Ubud Palace will also ensure that the buildings damaged by the incident are properly repaired, in accordance with customary and spiritual guidelines issued by community religious leaders.
Sukawati estimates that the fallen sacred Berigin Tree was around 300 years old and was linked to the founding of the Ubud Palace.
According to Tjokorda Sukawati, several days prior to the incident, the banyan tree was battered by prolonged strong winds. Eventually, the tree split and collapsed in two directions, violently crashing onto the palace grounds.
The actual collapse of the tree was covered on social media.
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