Ahead of Ramadan, Tangerang residents gather for communal hair-washing in the Cisadane River
Tangerang (ANTARA) — The Tangerang city administration in Banten, through the Culture and Tourism Agency (Disbudpar), has reported that hundreds of residents from Babakan subdistrict carried out the tradition of communal hair-washing in the Cisadane River ahead of the fasting month, a cultural heritage practice observed annually.
The head of the Cultural Affairs Division at Tangerang's Disbudpar, Supendi, said on Tuesday that the communal hair-washing is a tradition passed down through generations.
Residents regard the activity as an occasion for self-purification before undertaking the Ramadan fast, as well as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds.
"They gather together. After washing their hair together, they ask one another for forgiveness and pray that the Ramadan worship ahead will go smoothly," he said.
Supendi added that the communal hair-washing is a cultural heritage that the community continues to preserve despite the passage of many generations. According to him, the tradition is not merely a collective bathing activity but is imbued with spiritual and social significance.
"This is a tradition of the Babakan community that has been practised for decades along the banks of the Cisadane River. Its value lies not only in cleansing the body but also in purifying the heart and strengthening bonds of fellowship ahead of Ramadan," he said.
The secretary to the Tangerang sub-district head, Ahmad Taufik Hidayat, explained that the tradition is held annually by residents of neighbourhood associations RW 01 and RW 02 in Babakan subdistrict, involving all segments of the community from children to the elderly.
"The communal hair-washing is carried out to welcome Ramadan in a state of physical and spiritual cleanliness. It also serves as an educational tool to encourage the community to be more diligent in worship, fasting, and increasing religious activities," he said.
The head of the Cultural Affairs Division at Tangerang's Disbudpar, Supendi, said on Tuesday that the communal hair-washing is a tradition passed down through generations.
Residents regard the activity as an occasion for self-purification before undertaking the Ramadan fast, as well as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds.
"They gather together. After washing their hair together, they ask one another for forgiveness and pray that the Ramadan worship ahead will go smoothly," he said.
Supendi added that the communal hair-washing is a cultural heritage that the community continues to preserve despite the passage of many generations. According to him, the tradition is not merely a collective bathing activity but is imbued with spiritual and social significance.
"This is a tradition of the Babakan community that has been practised for decades along the banks of the Cisadane River. Its value lies not only in cleansing the body but also in purifying the heart and strengthening bonds of fellowship ahead of Ramadan," he said.
The secretary to the Tangerang sub-district head, Ahmad Taufik Hidayat, explained that the tradition is held annually by residents of neighbourhood associations RW 01 and RW 02 in Babakan subdistrict, involving all segments of the community from children to the elderly.
"The communal hair-washing is carried out to welcome Ramadan in a state of physical and spiritual cleanliness. It also serves as an educational tool to encourage the community to be more diligent in worship, fasting, and increasing religious activities," he said.