Idul Adha means special day of offerings for luck in Demak

DEMAK, CENTRAL JAVA (JP): Hundreds of thousands of people from all over Java and as far away as Madura and Lampung flocked the streets of Demak, a city on the northern coast of Central Java throughout the weekend, to participate in the annual celebration of the Islamic Idul Adha Sacrifice Day.

The Jakarta Post photographer Kosasih Derajat recorded the event in Demak, which lies 30 kilometers to the east of Central Java's capital, Semarang. It is the site of the Masjid Agung (Grand Mosque) built in 1478 by the nine wali who first preached Islam in Java.

In the traditional Grebeg Besar procession, the Patangpuluhan Court Troop carried nine rice cones in honor of the nine preacher-heroes from the local People's Hall to Mesjid Agung on Friday.

People believe that a share of the rice brings good luck, and crowded around the offering and jostled each other despite appeals from civil, military and religious authorities.

"Eating the rice only makes you full," said Demak regent Col. Sukarlan, who tried to dispel the belief that the rice would bring fortune.

But residents said they do not eat the rice. Even a small amount gleaned from the ground and wrapped in banana leaves is kept in their homes.

A military officer on duty told The Jakarta Post it was not that they did not try to put the crowds in order.

"The tradition requires that people have to fight over the rice," he said.

On Saturday another procession of three kilometers carried jamas oil to wash sacred daggers and vests, believed to have belonged to one of the sunan, Sunan Kalijogo.

However, nobody ever sees these objects.

"We must wash the items with our eyes closed," said Abdurrahman, who heads the royal team in charge of the objects.

"We only know their names, the Kotang Gundil Ontokusumo is the vest, and the dagger is Keris Kiai Crubu," he said.

The items have been stored carefully and cleaned annually since the 16th century. (anr)