Tajen: Between Ritual and Gambling Tajen is the Balinese word for traditional cock fighting on the island of Bali. Two cocks fight each other with sharp side knives called Taji tied to their legs. This is a most popular game for balinese men. In the beginning, Tajen was part of a religious ritual called Tabuh Rah in the Hindu society. Tabuh Rah prescribes the dripping of blood to the earth as a ritual against Bhuta Kala (evil). These days society has changed and Tajen is more a form of entertainment closely related to gambling than a religious activity. Photographer: Agung Parameswara …
