Despite the growing modernity, Tengger Tribe keeps holding their traditional culture of Kasada Ceremony.
It is not exaggerating to say that Indonesia is the islands where you can experience hundreds of exotic culture. Its only possible because this country consists of hundreds of tribe with their traditional culture that still exists to this day and survives the modernity and urban life. One of these ancient cultures you need to witness is the Kasada Ceremony of the Tengger Tribe.
Tengger Tribe
Tengger Tribe is Javanese ethnic group that live in the villages of Mount Bromo. It is believed that they are the descendants of Majapahit royalties, Roro Anteng and his husband, Joko Seger.
This tribe generally practices Hinduism but also incorporates some Buddhism as well as Animism practice into their beliefs. They are not only worshipping Hindu God, but also the Tri Murti of Buddhist Gods and also the host of spirits.
The Tenggerese People perform their worship in a temple called Poten. It is a sacred area in the sand sea of Bromo Mountain. This temple is divided into several compositions of the enclosure called the Mandalas.
Kasada Ceremony
One of Tenggerese most prominent cultures is the Kasada Ceremony. This huge festival takes place on the fourteenth day of Kasada month in the Javanese dating system. This grand ceremony has become one of the main attractions when tourists come to visit Bromo.
The ceremony is held as an offering to Sang Hyang Widhi and their ancestors. This Yadnya Kasada festival lasts for a month in Poten Bromo. There, they perform a prayer. They bring along their offerings organized in a container called ongkek. In this ancient ceremony, the Tenggerese throw various types of offerings such as vegetables, fruits, livestock, and even money to the crater of Mount Bromo.
The ceremony consists of several stages and started by an opening from the traditional leader of the Tengger tribe. The ritual proceeds with a traditional sendratari or a combination between drama and dance that tells a story about the life of Rara Anteng and Jaka Seger. Then, the ceremony is continued with a Sukasada ceremony, where priest candidates are tested. When they make a mistake during the ceremony, they failed the test.
Priest is considered a notable profession for Tenggerese people, and they have to memorize all the mantras and prayer before they can be tested and inaugurated. Once the Sukasada ceremony ends, the peak of the Kasada Festival begins, throwing the offerings to the crater of Mount Bromo.
This ancient ceremony does not only attract tourist both local and international, but also beggars and Tenggerese people that live far inland. These beggars coming a few days before the ceremony and build a temporary camp so that they can fight for offerings given in this ceremony.
History of Kasada
Kasada ceremony has been around for hundreds of year, since the period of the Majapahit Empire around 1293. The origin of Kasada ceremony is based on the life of Rara Anteng and Jaka Seger. Based on the legend, the couple were childless, although they had been married for a couple of years. Therefore, they decided to pray in Mount Bromo and wish for a child.
God granted their wish under the condition that they sacrifice the youngest child to the crater of Mount Bromo. They agreed, and Rara Anteng gave birth to 25 children. However, over time, Rara Anteng was reluctant to sacrifice her child. God got angry, and the world became dark. When the youngest child, Kesuma, learned about this pledge, he agreed to be sacrificed to save their land. To honour this sacrifice, Tenggerese people held the Kasada ceremony every year.
To witness this ancient ceremony, visit Mount Bromo on the fourteenth day of Kasada Month in Javanese dating system. To make sure that you come in the right time and doesnt miss this once a year ceremony, book a tourism package with Yuk Banyuwangi Tour Organizer. We will give you the best experience while travelling to Bromo.
Yuk Banyuwangi Tour Organizer has been around since 2014 and, with our experienced team, has helped many tourists, both local and international . Book your tour package today and get our outstanding service right away!
