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Funeral ceremony in Toraja
Unlike other parts of the world, death in Toraja is not a private or somber affair. According to the local religion, Aluk To Dolo (a form of ancestor worship), funerals become joyful celebrations attended by many people.
Similar to a cultural festival, visitors can witness many interesting things at Torajan funerals, such as dancing, singing, art, and even bullfighting competitions. And don't worry about not being invited to a funeral when you come here, because all visitors are welcome.
- Location: All over the Toraja region, South Sulawesi.
- Timing: Funerals take place year-round, but August is the month when the most tourists visit Toraja to witness funerals.
Celebrating the New Year in silence in Bali.
According to Hindu beliefs in Bali, the new year takes place in March. During the 24 hours of Nyepi (Day of Silence), they welcome the new year in meditation and complete silence. At that time, the entire island is completely isolated from the outside world: the internet is cut off, travel and daily activities are suspended, and loud noises are forbidden.
The day before Silent Day, locals parade with giant statues in a festive atmosphere through the main streets, symbolizing how inner evils can be destroyed through meditation on Silent Day.
- Location: Throughout Bali.
- Timing: Nyepi Day falls in March, but it's not fixed. In 2019, Nyepi Day was on March 7th, but in 2020, it was on March 26th.
Islamic festival in Lombok
The village of Bayan in East Lombok, at the foot of the majestic Rinigate volcano, is one of the earliest places in Indonesia to have adopted Islam. Here, the Wetu Telu Muslim community celebrates the annual Islamic holiday of Eid in their historic ancient mosque.
Their rituals emphasize the harmony between humans and nature. Among the ceremonies, women wash rice together in the river while men bring their harvested produce to the mosque for blessing.
Visitors are welcome here, but are encouraged to follow the local dress code, which includes wearing a sarong-like fabric for both men and women.
- Location: Bayan Village, East Lombok.
- Date: June 2019.
Celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday in Yogyakarta.
Every year, the city of Yogyakarta holds a grand week-long celebration to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. On the final day of the celebration, a large parade features the king and his celebrants (actors), giant models of mountains made of sticky rice, sweets, snacks, and fruit. Local people in the streets interact with the celebrants as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the households.
- Location: Sultan's Palace, Yogyakarta.
- Time period: From November 1st to November 9th, 2019.
Ramadan celebrations in Aceh
Traveling in Aceh during Ramadan can be challenging for non-practice travelers as restaurants are closed all day. But if you arrive on the last day, the festive atmosphere is truly impressive.
The celebrations centered at the Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, a prominent landmark built by the Dutch in the Mughal style with massive marble walls. From the mosque, colorful religious processions took place throughout the city, honoring the greatness of God.
- Location: Banda Aceh City.
- Time: The end of Ramadan (June 2019).
Chinese New Year festival in Bogor (Cap Go Meh Festival)
Every year, the city of Bogor holds the Cap Go Meh festival on the 15th day after the Lunar New Year. At the festival, devotees parade with statues of their gods and ancestors from local Chinese temples throughout the city.
This festival has become a city-wide celebration, and nowadays, the parade groups include not only Chinese but also Indonesians from various cultures and religions. This demonstrates the cultural harmony and diversity in Indonesia.
- Location: Bogor City.
- Timing: The Chinese New Year usually falls in January or February according to the Gregorian calendar.
Buddha's Birthday celebration in Borobudur, Java
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, but most of its history has actually been dominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. Indeed, Indonesia is home to the world's largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, built in the 9th century.
On Vesak, the Buddha's birthday, Buddhists from all over Indonesia flock here to perform religious rituals and meditate. Visitors of any religion are welcome to participate in the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, they can release thousands of lanterns into the sky along with the locals and don't forget to make a wish on this important holiday.
- Location: Borobudur Temple, Central Java.
- Timing: Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. In 2019, Buddha's Birthday fell on May 19th according to the Gregorian calendar.
Easter in Larantuka, Flores
Indonesia was once a Dutch colony, and the majority of the inhabitants of Flores Island are Catholic. In the city of Larantuka, Easter attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the archipelago. Easter here is considered a magical blend of Christian and local traditional values. At the height of the festival, a giant statue of the Virgin Mary is paraded around the city, followed by long lines of worshippers.
- Location: Larantuka City, Flores.
- Time: Easter.
