Annually, on the 20th day of the 10th month on the traditional Sasak Calendar, which falls around February each year, the Sasak people celebrate the traditional ceremony of Bau Nyale. 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.The Sasak are the dominant ethnic group inhabiting the island of Lombok, in West Nusatenggara
Traditionally, celebrations take place at a designated place agreed by the Sasak leader and the local government. Bau Nyale is most often held along the Kaliantan Beach, at the Pemongkong village, in the Jerowaru district of East Lombok.
The locals believe, that the Nyale are not just regular seaworms, but are considered as sacred creatures that bring prosperity to those who honor them, or misfortune to those who ignore them. This belief was based on a legend of princess Mandalika.
Legend has it that back in its heydays, there lived a beautiful princess named Mandalika. Stories about her beauty reached every corner of the island; so that many princes 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.