'Grebeg' ritual draws attention

DEMAK, Central Java: Thousands of people flocked to Demak on Sunday to take part in the religious ritual Grebeg, held annually to coincide with Idul Adha, the Moslem Day of Sacrifice.

The celebrations, which began on April 22, reached their climax on Sunday when people carried a giant yellow rice cone around the town.

The shirt of the late Sunan Kalijaga, a legendary 16th century Islamic propagator in Java, and his kris were also taken out of the museum to be washed by his grave as part of the ritual.

Antara reported that the rally with the rice cone started at the regent's office and ended at the Great Mosque.

At the end of the rally, there was stiff competition to win the top of the cone, in the belief that the winner will have his or her wish come true.

Chairman of the ceremony, Tasleman, said the local administration expects to earn around Rp 99 million (US$42,000) in fees from the seven-day celebration. (rms)