SANTRI EN – In the village of Durenan, Durenan District, Trenggalek Regency, East Java, Indonesia, the Kupatan tradition has been passed down for over two centuries.
This tradition is not just a celebration, but an opportunity for meaningful silaturahim (family gathering) after observing a 6-day fast in the month of Syawal.
Unlike Kupatan traditions in other regions that are filled with entertainment, Kupatan in Durenan focuses on strengthening brotherhood. This was emphasized by the caretaker of the Babul Ulum Durenan Islamic Boarding School, KH Abdul Fattah Mu’in.
“This Kupatan tradition has been around for over 200 years, and what sets it apart from others is the intention of silaturahim, which is something that cannot be imitated,” said Kiai Abdul Fattah.
According to Kiai Fattah, the Kupatan tradition in Durenan has its own uniqueness. People usually refrain from silaturahim during the first to sixth days of Eid. This is because of the busyness of receiving guests during Eid al-Fitr.
Only on H+7, exactly on Eid al-Kupatan, do people flock to silaturahim. This silaturahim becomes a special moment to strengthen ties between family, neighbors, and relatives.
Furthermore, Kiai Fattah explained that the Kupatan tradition also has religious significance. Fasting for 6 days of Syawal has a reward equivalent to fasting for a whole year.
“The deeds of Muslims are multiplied by 10. If 1 month is the same as 10 months, then 6 days is equal to 60 days,” he explained.
The peak of the Kupatan tradition in Durenan is the parade of ketupat lanang (male) and wadon (female). These ketupat are then scrambled for by the community in Durenan Square, with the hope of receiving blessings.
Kupatan tradition: A Symbol of Unity and Purity
The ketupat parade is the most important part of the Kupatan tradition in Durenan. Ketupat lanang and wadon are paraded around the village, accompanied by chants of salawat (prayers) and prayers. This parade symbolizes unity and purity of heart in carrying out the Ramadan fasting.
Ketupat lanang and wadon have different meanings. Ketupat lanang symbolizes males, while ketupat wadon symbolizes females. These two ketupat are united in one container, symbolizing unity and oneness between men and women.
Kupatan tradition Passed Down Through Generations
The Kupatan tradition in Durenan is one of Indonesia’s cultural treasures that needs to be preserved. This tradition not only strengthens family values, but also serves as a reminder of the meaning of Ramadan fasting and the importance of silaturahim in community life.
The local government and the Durenan community continue to strive to preserve the Kupatan tradition. This tradition has become one of the tourist attractions in Trenggalek, attracting tourists from various regions to come and experience this unique cultural experience.
Kupatan Tradition: A Proof of Indonesia’s Cultural Diversity
The Kupatan tradition in Durenan is just one example of the many unique and interesting traditions that exist in Indonesia. Each region has its own traditions that reflect the nation’s rich culture.
Moral Messages of the Kupatan Tradition in Durenan:
- Silaturahim: Kupatan tradition becomes an important moment to strengthen ties between family, neighbors, and relatives. This silaturahim not only strengthens social relationships but also becomes a means for forgiveness and increased affection.
- Unity: The parade of ketupat lanang and wadon symbolizes unity and oneness between men and women, as well as between all members of society. This tradition reminds us that we must always stand together and help each other in community life.
- Purity of Heart: Ketupat that are sanctified and paraded around the village symbolize purity of heart in carrying out the Ramadan fasting. This tradition reminds us to always guard our hearts and minds from bad things, and to always strive to be a better person.
Tourist Attraction of Kupatan Tradition in Durenan:
The Kupatan tradition in Durenan has become one of the tourist attractions in Trenggalek. The uniqueness of this tradition, from the ketupat parade, communal prayers, to the scramble for ketupat, attracts tourists from various regions to come and experience this authentic cultural experience.
Efforts to Preserve the Kupatan Tradition in Durenan:
The local government and the Durenan community continue to strive to preserve the Kupatan tradition. The efforts made include:
- Holding a Kupatan festival: Every year, the local government holds a Kupatan festival which features various cultural performances and Kupatan traditions.
- Teaching the Kupatan tradition to the younger generation
- Teaching the Kupatan tradition to the younger generation: The Kupatan tradition is taught to the younger generation through various activities, such as education in schools and extracurricular activities.
- Promoting the Kupatan tradition to tourists: The Kupatan tradition is promoted to tourists through various media, such as the internet, brochures, and tourism exhibitions.
The Kupatan tradition in Durenan is a testament to the richness of Indonesian culture. This tradition not only reflects noble religious and cultural values, but also carries strong moral messages and high tourist appeal.
Efforts to preserve the Kupatan tradition need to be continued so that this cultural wealth can be sustained and enjoyed by future generations.
