Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Idul Adha, known globally as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant observances in the Islamic calendar. Indonesia as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation observed the Idul Adha day not only by religious devotion but also by vibrant cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Across the archipelago, Muslims celebrate the holy day with deep enthusiasm and a strong sense of community. Each region brings its own unique customs to the occasion, weaving Islamic values of sacrifice, gratitude, and compassion into longstanding local heritage.
Here are three distinctive Idul Adha traditions from various parts of Indonesia, each offering both cultural richness and timeless spiritual meaning:
Grebeg Gunungan – Yogyakarta
In the royal city of Yogyakarta, Idul Adha is celebrated with the Grebeg Gunungan tradition, a ceremonial procession featuring a towering cone-shaped offering made of vegetables, fruits, and local delicacies.
The “gunungan” is carried from the Sultan’s palace to the Great Mosque of Kauman, escorted by royal guards. After prayers are recited, the offerings are distributed to the public as a symbol of shared blessings and gratitude.
Toron and Nyalasi – Madura
On the island of Madura, Idul Adha brings families together through Toron, a homecoming tradition where migrants return to their villages to reunite with loved ones.
This is followed by Nyalasi, the ritual slaughtering of sacrificial animals, often conducted in front of homes or local mosques. The meat is then cooked into festive dishes like satay and goat curry, shared with family members and neighbors in a communal feast.
Gamelan Sekaten – Surakarta
In Surakarta (Solo), the holiday is accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Gamelan Sekaten, a traditional Javanese orchestra that plays during the religious festivities.
More than just musical entertainment, the gamelan represents the enduring influence of Islamic culture in Java. Performances begin after morning prayers and reflect the harmony between faith and artistic expression.
Manten Sapi – Pasuruan, East Java
In Pasuruan, East Java, residents celebrate with Manten Sapi, a ceremonial tribute to the sacrificial animals. Cattle are bathed, adorned with vibrant fabrics and ornaments, and paraded through the village before the ritual slaughter.
The tradition, held a day before Idul Adha, is seen as an act of gratitude and respect for the blessings provided by God.
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Mepe Kasur – Banyuwangi, East Java
In Banyuwangi, locals observe Mepe Kasur, the practice of airing mattresses under the sun in front of their homes. While seemingly simple, the act is symbolic and believed to ward off misfortune and promote family harmony. It also reinforces the communal spirit, as neighbors often participate together in this household ritual.
Ngejot – Bali
On the predominantly Hindu island of Bali, Muslim communities celebrate Idul Adha with Ngejot, a tradition of sharing cooked meat dishes with neighbors.
After the sacrifice, the meat is prepared into local favorites like satay, gulai, and rendang, then carefully packaged and delivered to nearby homes. This gesture of generosity bridges religious and cultural divides, embodying the island’s enduring sense of solidarity and interfaith respect.
Meugang – Aceh
In Aceh, the northernmost province of Sumatra, the Meugang tradition unfolds one to two days before Idul Adha. Families purchase livestock, prepare hearty meals from the meat, and gather for communal feasts.
Rooted in the era of the Aceh Sultanate when meat was distributed freely to the people, Meugang remains a powerful expression of familial bonds and compassion for the less fortunate.
These regional practices highlight how Idul Adha in Indonesia goes beyond ritual as it becomes a celebration of unity, culture, and enduring moral values.
(Raidi/Agung)
