Funeral in Toraja
Unlike elsewhere in 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 will witness many interesting things at a Torajan funeral: dancing, singing, art and even bullfighting competitions. And don't worry about not being invited to a funeral when you come here, all visitors are welcome.
- Location: All over Toraja region, South Sulawesi.
- Time: Funerals take place year-round, but August is the month when the most tourists come to Toraja to see the funerals.
Welcoming the New Year in silence in Bali
According to Balinese Hindu beliefs, the new year takes place in March. During the 24-hour Nyepi (Day of Silence), they welcome the new year in meditation and complete silence. During this 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 prohibited.
The day before the Day of Silence, locals will parade giant statues in a festive atmosphere through the main streets, symbolizing the evils within humans that can be destroyed through meditation during the day of silence.
- Location: All over Bali.
- Time: Nyepi Day falls in March but is not fixed. In 2019, Nyepi Day took place on March 7 but in 2020, Nyepi Day took place on March 26.
Islamic Festival in Lombok
The village of Bayan in East Lombok, at the foot of the majestic Mount Rinjani, is one of Indonesia’s earliest sites of Islam. Here, the Wetu Telu Muslim community celebrates the annual Muslim holiday of Eid in their historic ancient mosque.
Their rituals emphasize the integration of humans and nature. Among the rituals, women wash rice together in the river while men bring their harvest to the mosque for blessing.
Visitors are welcome here, but are encouraged to follow local dress codes, which include wearing a sarong-like fabric for both men and women.
- Location: Bayan Village, East Lombok.
- Time: June 2019.
Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday in Yogyakarta
Every year, the city of Yogyakarta holds a week-long grand celebration to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. On the final day of the festival, a grand parade features the king, gunmen (actors), giant models of mountains made of sticky rice, sweets, snacks and fruits. Locals on the streets interact with the gunmen as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to their households.
- Location: Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta.
- Time: From November 1 to 9, 2019.
Ramadan celebrations in Aceh
Travelling in Aceh during Ramadan can be difficult for the untrained traveller as restaurants are closed all day, but if you arrive on the last day, the festive atmosphere is impressive.
The celebrations are centered on the Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, a striking Dutch-built landmark with Mughal-style designs and massive marble walls. From the mosque, colorful religious processions are carried throughout the city, celebrating the greatness of God.
- Location: Banda Aceh City.
- Time: 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 Chinese New Year. During the festival, devotees parade statues of their gods and ancestors from local Chinese temples throughout the city.
The festival has become a city-wide celebration and today, the parade groups are not only Chinese but also Indonesians from different cultures and religions. This shows the cultural harmony and diversity in Indonesia.
- Location: Bogor City.
- Time: Chinese New Year usually falls in January or February according to the Gregorian calendar.
Buddha's Birthday at Borobudur, Java
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, but much of its history has actually been dominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. Indeed, Indonesia is home to the world's largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, which was built in the 9th century.
On Vesak, the birthday of Buddha, Buddhists from all over Indonesia flock here to perform religious rituals and meditate. Visitors of any religion are welcome to join the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, they can release thousands of lanterns into the sky with the locals and don’t forget to make a wish on this important day.
- Location: Borobudur Temple, Central Java.
- Time: Buddha's Birthday takes place on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. In 2019, Buddha's Birthday falls on the 19th day of the 5th lunar month.
Easter in Larantuka, Flores
Indonesia was once a Dutch colony and the majority of Flores islanders are Catholic. In the city of Larantuka, Easter attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the archipelago. Easter here is considered a magical blend of Christianity and local traditions. At the peak 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.
