Muharam Celebrated Like Eid in Bangka
The Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram, in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, is celebrated by the community with a splendour equivalent to the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This tradition is continuously maintained and has become a distinctive cultural feature of the region.
One of the villages observing the most vibrant celebrations is Kenanga Village, Sungailiat District, where the festive atmosphere is particularly palpable. Residents open their doors wide, with many erecting tents in their front yards to welcome relatives and neighbours. A variety of traditional dishes are served in abundance, ranging from various cakes, pempek, and lontong, to complete rice dishes with chicken and beef, ready to be enjoyed by every visiting guest.
Tomo, a local resident, mentioned that the tradition of celebrating Muharram like a major holiday has been passed down through generations. “It had been on hiatus for the last two years, but this year we have resumed it on a large scale,” he said when met on Sunday.
To prepare for all requirements, each household spends between Rp1 million to Rp3 million, depending on the type and quantity of dishes served. “It is mandatory for every house to prepare cakes, pempek, lontong, and meat. It is no wonder the budget reaches millions of rupiah,” he added.
Furthermore, the openness of the residents is clearly visible. Guests who arrive are not only close family members, but even strangers are welcomed warmly. “Many residents from other villages in Bangka Regency come to visit. We continue to serve them well, as that has become our custom,” Tomo expressed.
The Regent of Bangka, Fery Insani, believes this tradition is a cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved. “This is our hallmark in Bangka. Not only in Kenanga Village, but also in several other villages. It can be said that here, there are three festive moments in a year: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and 1 Muharram, the Islamic New Year,” he asserted.
This tradition serves not only as a means of strengthening social ties but also as a way to enhance unity and togetherness among the diverse community of Bangka.