Bengkulu Tabut Festival 2018
September 23, 2018Bengkulu, a small province at the mouth of the Indonesian Ocean, dubbed Home of Rafflesia, has finished the Tabut Festival, which is the main festival as well as the Top 100 national scale tourism events.
Luckily, I was in the city, and had an opportunity to see the event directly. What an extraordinary opportunity. Although that was not my first time, but when I graduated from high school and decided to continue my studiy in another city, it was a rare opportunity to attend existing cultural events, because the I dint find a match time. Then, what is Tabut?
Well, hi peeps! welcome.
Tabut which
literally means a chest or wooden box in Arabic, or in the Qur'an is known as a
chest containing a book, which is a traditional ceremony of the people of
Bengkulu. On its way, the festival is an annual event that includes many arts
and cultural activities. Overall, the festival is interesting because it can
combine Indonesian cultural diversity that is full of cultural, religious
(sacred), historical and social values.
Based
on the history that I read and I got from my parents, the Tabut ritual
was held as a manifestation of love as well as recalling the heroic story and
death of the grandson of the prophet Muhammad SAW, Husein bin Ali ibn Abi Talib
in a battle with Ubaidillah bin Zaid's troops in Karbala, Iraq on Muharram 10th,
61 Hijr. So, until now, the festival is held for ten days starting from 1st to
10th of Muharram as an effort to commemorate and celebrate the Islamic New
Year.
The
essence of the 10-day ceremony was the symbol of collecting all parts of
Husein's body, then paraded and buried in Padang Karbala. This is also a symbol
of social concern about the practice of human life that often justifies all
means such as betrayal to achieve power. In
terms of religion, this stage reminds us as a human of the beginning of its
creation, the foundation of wisdom in navigating life, to the reminder of
death. All of it means to get rid of all bad deeds because it is believed that
goodness can definitely defeat evil.
Ah,
ya, for ten days, the city of Bengkulu becomes crowded. Many people from
another city are interested to visit it. Because, in addition to the available
items and food that they are offered, every day there will also be some
interesting activities. It is also a moment for us to enjoy the day with
friends, or family. Because, I think almost everyone has the same level of
desire to visit the festival location. Whatever the motivation. Whether it's to
shop, take pictures, or just to look around while taking a break.
Reportedly,
the event was very successful and lively. Indeed, I admit, in my three visits,
I feel very satisfied and spoiled with the concept of the event and the items
and food offered. It's like taking me back to school. So I would like to
congratulate the people of Bengkulu city for the Ark festival which has become
the number 1 national topic, and also for Bengkulu city because in 2019 it has
become the Top 100 of national events, becoming a world tourism destination.
Congratulations to the young people of Bengkulu who have participated in the
event. Respect!***
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