TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The second of the two major Muslim festivals, Eid al-Adha, invites unique celebrations across Nusantara, blending the religious occasion with inherited cultural values.
From Grebeg Gunungan in Yogyakarta to Meugang in Aceh, each region has its distinctive way of celebrating Eid al-Adha while still carrying the message of sacrifice, gratitude, and compassion.
Below are the series of unique Eid al-Adha traditions from various regions in Indonesia.
1. Meugang, Aceh
Meugang is typically done the day before or two days prior to Eid al-Adha. During this moment, the community slaughters livestock such as goats or cows, then processes the meat into a special dish to be enjoyed with family.
The root of this tradition comes from the time of the Aceh Sultanate, when the meat was distributed free of charge to the people. Even though some residents buy their own meat at the market, the spirit of Meugang is still maintained, which is to strengthen family ties and show concern for others, especially those who are less fortunate.
2. Apitan, Semarang
The people of Semarang share various agricultural and livestock products in the Apitan event as a form of gratitude. The produce is paraded and mass distributed, instilling the spirit of togetherness and the importance of sharing in celebrating Eid al-Adha.
3. Grebeg Gunungan, Yogyakarta
Grebeg Gunungan features a procession of a conical pile of agricultural products consisting of vegetables, fruits, and other food items. This pile is paraded from the keraton, or palace, to the Kauman Mosque, escorted by palace soldiers. After a prayer, the agricultural products are distributed to the community as a symbol of gratitude and blessing.
4. Gamelan Sekaten, Surakarta
The celebration of Eid al-Adha in Surakarta is enlivened by the sounds of the traditional gamelan ensemble. Not only providing entertainment, the music performance is a symbol of the Islamic cultural glory in the land of Java. The gamelan music starts after the Eid prayer and becomes part of the religious events, showing the harmony between culture and spirituality.
5. Manten Sapi, Pasuruan
The people of Pasuruan have a unique way of honoring sacrificial animals through the Manten Sapi tradition. The sacrificial cows are bathed and adorned with cloth and accessories a day before slaughter, before being paraded to the slaughterhouse.
6. Mepe Kasur, Banyuwangi
Mepe Kasur is the tradition of sunbathing mattresses in the yard. This tradition is believed to be a form of prayer to ward off danger and maintain family harmony. In addition to warding off disasters, Mepe Kasur also strengthens the value of mutual cooperation and awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy household relationship.
7. Toron and Nyalasi, Madura
The atmosphere of Eid al-Adha in Madura is heartened by two important traditions: Toron and Nyalasi. Toron is the custom for Madurese migrants to return to their hometown before Eid al-Adha, creating a warm family gathering moment.
After gathering, they continue with the Nyalasi tradition, which is the slaughtering of sacrificial animals carried out in the backyard or the mosque. The sacrificial meat is then cooked into typical dishes such as satay and goat curry, and enjoyed with family and neighbors.
8. Ngejot, Bali
Eid al-Adha in Bali is typically celebrated with Ngejot, a food-sharing tradition that reflects the close fraternal bonds among neighbors. After the process of slaughtering sacrificial animals, or qurban, is completed, the meat is cooked into various specialties such as satay, curry, and rendang.
These dishes are then neatly packaged and delivered to the neighbors' houses as a symbol of togetherness and gratitude. This tradition not only strengthens social relationships but also shows how the Balinese people harmonize local wisdom with Islamic values.
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