Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus Tradition: 34,000 Rice Packets Distributed

The tradition of distributing Buka Luwur rice at the Menara and Sunan Kudus Tomb complex in Kudus, Central Java, was held again as the culmination of the 2026 Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus series of events, with 34,000 packets of luwur rice provided for the community. The number of Buka Luwur rice packets provided each year varies, as it is adjusted according to the number of livestock slaughtered and rice donations from the wider community. This year, it totalled more than 34,000 packets, said Denny Nur Hakim, spokesperson for the Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus committee, in Kudus on Thursday. He explained that the entire series of Buka Luwur activities is a form of exemplary conduct by the people of Kudus towards the teachings of Sunan Kudus, who is known for his service in spreading Islam and founding the city of Kudus. The tradition also embodies community togetherness and mutual cooperation, as all funding comes from residents’ alms, which include not only money but also goods such as rice, cloth, and animals like buffaloes and goats. This year, the committee received alms of 22 buffaloes and 92 goats. On 9 Muharam 1448 Hijriah, the donated animals were processed into two dishes: uyah asem and jangkrik. Both are dishes synonymous with the Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus tradition. Denny revealed that the more than 34,000 rice packets distributed to the public contained the uyah asem dish. This menu was chosen so the rice could last longer when distributed to various areas. If the jangkrik dish, which has a gravy, were distributed, the rice would spoil more quickly. Therefore, the rice with the uyah asem side dish was distributed. The Buka Luwur tradition is held every 10 Muharam, which this year fell on Thursday (25/7), and is a religious ritual marking the replacement of the canopy at the Sunan Kudus Tomb. Karsani, a resident from Sidorekso Village, Kaliwungu District, Kudus, who queued for the Buka Luwur rice, admitted he had been queuing since after the dawn prayer with his wife and two children. After receiving the Buka Luwur rice or uyah asem rice, Karsani immediately consumed it, as did many other residents who also ate it straight away for breakfast. He admitted to queuing every year to get the Buka Luwur rice, hoping to receive blessings as it had been prayed over by the kiais at the Menara Kudus complex.