Ramadhan is an interesting month. During this special moment, there are so many things to see and enjoy that only happen exclusively during this month like Sahur for example or many other activities of people waking up others during that time. Of course, it would be much interesting, than only taking your time enjoying recommended places for breaking the fast in Jakarta.
Just like how the people celebrate Chinese New Year in how does Indonesia celebrate Chinese New Year, the Muslims also celebrate it merrier in order to prepare for the day of victory, Eid Fitri.On the day before and after Eid Fitri, you can see some of the people’s tradition and unique activities in Eid Fitri celebrations and mudik tradition in Indonesia, such as :
1 – Halal Bi Halal
The first one on Eid Fitri celebrations and mudik tradition in Indonesia is Halal Bi Halal. This activity basically means to celebrate the Eid with gathering and. At the end of the event, people will form a circle, and handshaking others from the start to end. Usually, they also bring some foods to eat together.
When it happens: on Eid Fitri or days after that
The purpose of the activity: To strengthen the bond between family or neighbors
Who does it: All Muslims and non muslim in general
2 – Takbiran
If you love outdoor activities in Jakarta, maybe you also interested to see the Takbiran activity during the night before Eid Fitri. Just about hours before Eid, on the dusk of the previous day to be specific, all Muslims will do Takbiran. Takbiran is shouting the name of Allah The Great One. Usually, they also circling the city with their vehicle.
When it happens: A day before Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To celebrate it even merrier
Who does it: Teenagers, and some adults on some occasions
3 – Making Ketupat
Aside from visiting religious destinations in Aceh for Muslim travelers, usually the Muslims in Indonesia will make this favorite rice alternative called Ketupat. Ketupat consists of rice, but processed inside the palm leaves, forming this kind of diamond-like shape. They usually eat it with other dishes like Opor or Kari.
When it happens: On the morning of Eid Fitri day
The purpose of the activity: To maintain the tradition, and it actually delicious too
Who does it: Moms or female young adults (usually)
4 – Sending foods
Also, another one in Eid Fitri celebrations and mudik tradition in Indonesia is sending foods. To make the Eid celebration merrier, people in Indonesia use this humble moment to give the neighbors foods they have made. People are both sending and receiving all kinds of food, sometimes they also eat together.
When it happens: On the morning of Eid Fitri day
The purpose of the activity: To strengthen the bond between family or neighbors
Who does it: All Muslims in general
5 – New Clothing
However, aside from the beautiful magical things in Indonesia, many people in Indonesia also use this opportunity to buy some new stuff for Eid Fitri, including clothing. Usually, in some malls, there will be some discounts, pretty big discounts in order to attract more visitors. Because of that, days before Eid usually used for shopping instead.
When it happens: Days before Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To make the looks even better on Eid Fitri Day
Who does it: All people both Muslims and Non-Muslims in general
6 – THR
THR which is the acronym of Tunjangan Hari Raya (Eid Fitri Compensation) is another good thing about the holy month of Ramadhan. Even though the workers take their days off during Eid Fitri, they are given special compensation from their companies. The value of THR is usually worth a full month working salary.
When it happens: Weeks before Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To give the workers some reward, and also to respect the workers policy in the Nation
Who does it: Both National or Private Corporations give it
7 – Nyekar
In the seventh tradition in Eid Fitri celebrations and mudik tradition in Indonesia, we can also meet people in this country doing this thing called Nyekar. Nyekar basically means visiting the grave of family members. The activity usually consists of cleaning the grave, giving some flower on them, and give them a prayer.
When it happens: Sometimes before or after Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To remember the family
Who does it: All Muslims in general
8 – Fireworks Party
You can be lucky if you visit Indonesia during Ramadhan. Why? Because you can feel the same atmosphere that feels like a New Year’s Eve, which is given by the Firework Party. People are celebrating the Eid Fitri, the Day of Victory with fireworks. Usually, they will start it from the dusk after maghrib, until past midnight.
When it happens: A day before Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To celebrate it even merrier
Who does it: Teenagers, and some adults on some occasions
9 – Sending a Parcel
Another cultural activity in Indonesia besides the cultural things to do in Indonesia is to send a Parcel either before or after Eid Fitri. Usually, they send Parcel instead of food because it’s more practical and it can last for days or even weeks. A parcel sometimes consists of dairy stuff like cooking oil, a bottle of syrup, cookies, snacks, or even a souvenir.
When it happens: Sometimes before or after Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To give some humbleness and strengthen the bond of friendship
Who does it: All people both Muslims and Non-Muslims in general
10 – Holiday
If you take a look closely at the calendar, you should notice from the start to the end of Eid Fitri’s week, all the dates are colored in red. That means people will get their very long holiday, a full 7 days vacation. With that long period of off time, you can either visit your favorite attractions or do this thing called Mudik.
When it happens: Week of Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To release some stress, bring some good spirit for the next work after holiday
Who does it: All people both Muslims and Non-Muslims in general
11 – Mudik
And the last one in Eid Fitri celebrations and mudik tradition in Indonesia, we want to tell you about Mudik. As mentioned earlier, people will take their time off to Mudik somewhere, usually to their hometown. In other countries, there are also an activity like this. In Malaysia, they call it with different name, which is Balik Kampung.
When it happens: Weeks before Eid Fitri
The purpose of the activity: To visit the family back home after a long time missing
Who does it: All people both Muslims and Non-Muslims in general
Eid Fitri in Jakarta