Lawa Pipi Tradition: A Miniature Hajj Ritual from Hila, Maluku
Takbir echoes through the morning air in Negeri Hila, Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency. Amid the cheers of the crowd, hundreds of young men jogged along village roads while carrying a male goat on their shoulders. Behind them, thousands of residents walked in procession, chanting prayers and takbir in unison.
This scene is more than just a livestock procession. The Hila community calls it Lawa Pipi, or ‘Carry and Run Goat’, a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into their Idul Adha celebrations. Locals view it as a miniature reenactment of the Hajj pilgrimage, passed down through generations.
Since morning, the customary village on the Leihitu Peninsula has been filled with visitors from across the region. They have come to witness one of Maluku’s most distinctive traditions, blending religious devotion, cultural heritage, and communal unity.
The Lawa Pipi proceedings begin with a tahlil prayer session at the Ollong Old House. Religious leaders, customary elders, mosque officials, and residents gather to offer prayers for ancestors and express gratitude to God.
After the tahlil, a selected goat known as the ‘Temal goat’ is brought forward. The largest and healthiest among them holds a special place in the tradition, symbolising Prophet Ismail’s role in the sacrificial story.
Soon after, young men lift the Temal goat onto their shoulders and carry it around the village in a brisk jog. This ritual symbolises the Sa’i, one of the Hajj rites performed by pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Along the route, residents eagerly watch the procession. Children, adults, and elders line the village streets, creating an atmosphere of joyous solemnity during this annual event.
After circling the village, the procession moves to Hasan Soleman Mosque. In the courtyard of the historic mosque, the Temal goat is carried seven times around the building, symbolising the Tawaf around the Kaaba.
During the final round, the imam and mosque chief slaughter the Temal goat at a designated spot behind the mosque. As the sacrifice takes place, locals throw coins and banknotes towards the goat. This ritual symbolises the stoning of the jamarat and prayers for safety and protection from calamity.
The collected money is used to purchase spices and cooking supplies for the sacrificial meat, which is then distributed to less fortunate residents.
Abubakar Tatisina, a mosque official at Hasan Soleman Hila, explained that the entire Lawa Pipi sequence represents the Hajj rites performed in Mecca.
‘Our ancestors observed each Hajj ritual in Mecca and recreated them in miniature through the Lawa Pipi tradition,’ he said.
According to Abubakar, the tradition not only forms part of Idul Adha celebrations but also instils spiritual values in the youth and strengthens community bonds.
‘Through Lawa Pipi, young people learn about the Hajj rites performed in the Holy Land,’ he added.
Kasim Assawala, chair of the Lawa Pipi Cultural Festival committee, noted that youth participation in every ritual demonstrates the tradition’s vitality and continued community affection.
‘Lawa Pipi is more than a ceremonial event; it is a symbol of unity and respect for ancestral heritage that must be preserved,’ he said.
In addition to the customary rituals and animal sacrifices, the Lawa Pipi Cultural Festival features traditional art performances such as hadrat and samra, along with local language speech competitions. This year’s Idul Adha saw Hila’s community sacrifice 35 goats and nine cattle.