The Tradition Of Nyadran In Gilangharjo Is Packed Into Cultural Attractions Welcoming Ramadan

Simultaneous activities or traditions of the Javanese people ahead of the month of Ramadan in the Jodog area, Gilangharjo Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA The Village Government of Gilangharjo, Pandak, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, plans to develop a random tradition into an interesting cultural attraction to visit.

The tradition of nyadran, which is a cultural heritage of the Javanese people in welcoming the month of Ramadan, will be packaged more attractively in order to attract the interest of the community and tourists.

"Nyadran is a traditional ceremony that is rich in meaning. Over the last two years, we have revived this tradition, and next year we want to pack it into a cultural attraction that can attract more visitors," said the head of the Village Consultative Body (Bamuskal) Gilangharjo, Muh Zainul Zain, in Bantul, Sunday, as quoted by ANTARA.

So far, the tradition of crossing in Gilangharjo Village has been carried out with joint prayer activities for the ancestors, followed by the division of words (nasi blessings). In the future, Muh Zainul revealed a plan to add a chicken curvature carnival, where residents will bring curvature from the hamlet head's house to the tomb as a symbol of respect for their ancestors.

"With the addition of this curvature procession, it can become an attractive cultural attraction and has the potential to invite visitors to witness this tradition firsthand," he explained.

The enthusiasm of citizens in following the tradition of crossing continues to increase every year. This year, 17 people's self-help results were collected, which were then eaten together by residents after the prayer ceremony was over. Muh Zainul hopes that improving the quality of this event can be the basis for obtaining budget support from the DIY Special Fund (DANAis) in the coming years.

If it can be included in the Danais program, this tradition can develop more. Next year we are targeting 40 curvature to join the carnival, with the support of funds to strengthen this event," he added.

The plan is already included in the Village Budget Plan (RAB). Even though they still rely on self-help from the community, support from Danais is expected to strengthen financing without burdening the residents.

Meanwhile, Dukuh Jodog, Gilangharjo Village, Bayu Yunarko, added that the tradition of crossing in his area has become an annual agenda that is always carried out a week before Ramadan. This fixed schedule makes it easier for residents who migrate to return to their hometowns and take part in events.

'Public participation is increasing every year. Last year there were 10 curves, this year it has been collected 17. This is proof of people's love for this tradition," he said.

With the plan to pack the tradition of crossing into cultural attractions, it is hoped that Gilangharjo can attract more attention to the community while strengthening his identity as a cultural village in Bantul. In addition, this activity can also strengthen the relationship between residents as well as preserve Javanese culture which is rich in meaning and tradition.