Expression of Farmers’ Gratitude for Abundant Harvest

The region of Gianyar held their annual malabuh ketupat  ritual which has been tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation as an expression of gratitude to God for the blessing given in the field of agriculture, specifically for the abundant harvest. Hundreds of farmers participated in the ritual that was held at Masceti Temple, Medahan village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, on Tuesday afternoon (May 26).

The ritual held by the members of 20 subak organizations from four different customary villages. Starting at 02:30 a.m. the subak members brought offerings containing ketupat or enveloped rice patties. The offerings placed in an unusual containerIntead of using  keben or sokasi (types of bowls), these farmers use a use a kisa made from woven palm leaf.  

The procession starts with a with holy water invocation at Desa Temple of Medahan, after which they ritual present the offerings on the beach. The procession is officiated over by local temple priest and involves a sacred dance and gamelan music. Dozens of elders spontaneously dance the Baris Tombak and Pendet Dances as a symbol of their excitement after the harvest season.

This ritual has been inherited from generation to generation by the farmers from the communities of Keramas, Medahan, Cucukan and Tedung customary villages. The procession ends at Masceti temple where a total of 250 kelan (each kelan contains six ketupat) are presented at the shrines. After the offerings have been presented at the temple the farmers engage in siat ketupat or rice patty war where they throw the enveloped rice patties as well as eggs and coconuts at each other.

The rice patty war is divided into two sessions. The second session has the prilgrims throw the contents of their offerings at each other.  Pecalang or customary security guards are also involved in the rice patty war. Chief of the Masceti Temple, Nyoman Soma Wirawan, said that the malabuh ketupat ritual is an expression of the gratitude of farmers whose harvest has been spared from disaster, pestilence or disease. Their gratitude is dedicated to Ida Bhatara Segara and then resumed at Masceti Temple, which also serves as a swagina or official temple. The malabuh ketupat procession is followed by a four-day klecan or traditional cockfight that starts on Friday. (BTN/kmb)

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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

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