Muharam Celebrated Like Eid in Bangka

The Islamic New Year 1 Muharam in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, is celebrated by the community with a festivity equal to that of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. This tradition is continuously maintained and has become a distinctive cultural characteristic of the region. One of the villages that celebrates it most festively is Kenanga Village, Sungailiat District. There, the holiday atmosphere is deeply felt. Residents’ doors are wide open, and many even set up tents in their front yards to welcome the arrival of relatives and neighbours. Various special dishes are served in abundance, ranging from assorted cakes, pempek, and lontong, to rice complete with chicken and beef dishes, ready to be enjoyed by every visiting guest. Tomo, a local resident, mentioned that the tradition of celebrating Muharam like a holiday has been passed down through generations. ‘It was dormant for the last two years, and this year we are holding it again on a large scale,’ he said when met on Sunday (16/6). To prepare all the necessities, each household spends between Rp1 million and Rp3 million, depending on the type and quantity of food served. ‘What is certain is that every home must prepare cakes, pempek, lontong, and meat. It is no wonder the budget reaches millions of rupiah,’ he added. Moreover, the openness of the residents is clearly visible. Guests who come are not only close relatives, but even strangers are warmly welcomed. ‘Many residents from other villages in Bangka Regency come to visit. We still serve them well, because that has become our custom,’ Tomo explained. Bangka Regent Fery Insani assessed that this tradition is a cultural heritage that should continue to be preserved. ‘This is our characteristic in Bangka. Not only in Kenanga Village, but also in several other villages. It can be said that here in one year there are three holiday moments: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and 1 Muharam, the Islamic New Year,’ he stressed. This tradition is not only a venue for fostering relationships but also strengthens unity and togetherness among residents amidst the diversity of the Bangka community.