Soloevent.id – Indonesia is a vast country, blessed with thousands of islands, diverse ethnic groups, mother tongues, cultures, religions, and beliefs with Islam being the religion the majority of the people profess.
To welcome the holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims from Indonesia are known to practice certain rituals inspired by their faith, with traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Here are some unique traditions carried out in Indonesia to welcome Ramadhan.
- Munggahan
Sundanese around Indonesia always do “Munggahan” the day before Ramadan is coming. Frequently, some tourist destination and restaurant are crowded by the people who do Munggahan. So, what is Munggahan actually?
Munggahan is only has a meaning dinner or lunch with family and relatives. Some of the people do Munggahan with other activities such as hiking and Bebersih. Bebersih which Sundanese do to clean yourself that is also a symbol of making yourself pure before Ramadan.
- Megibung
Megibung is a dining occasion that demonstrates togetherness in Balinese life. It is an activity where some people sit together and share the food from one big plate or, more traditionally, off of a big piece of banana leaf. The tradition that originated in the Karangasem regency for welcoming Ramadan by Balinese Muslim is actually not only about sharing the food, throughout the dinner people can engage in a light conversation and get to know each other better. The word Megibung derives from the Balinese word gibung, which means share with each other.
- Padusan
The ritual of the people in Java does before the Ramadan where it is backed by the Sunnah/Moslem rule. It is recommended to take a bath to purify themselves from small or large filth before doing fasting in Ramadan. The Padusan ritual before doing fasting of Ramadan is usually done at a certain place even though this Padusan can be done in the bathroom in your own home, but generally, Padusan does in a certain place which is a place of tourist places.
- Jalur Pacu
Pacu Jalur is a rowing race, which is held every year in Batang Kuantan river, along with the Pacu Jalur Festival, which is held as a cultural event of the traditional community of Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, in Indonesia.
The race will end with the Balimau Kasai tradition which means to cleanse before sunset until evening.
- Nyorog
Betawi people have a unique tradition ahead of Ramadan named Nyorog. Nyorog is an activity to distribute a parcel that usually contains basic foods to family members or neighbors in order to welcome the holy month of Ramadan. This tradition is generally done by younger people to older people with the aim of asking for blessings to fast their fast.
What will you do in welcoming Ramadan?
