Prepegan, a Local Wisdom Tradition One Day Before Eid in Pantura
One day before Eid, communities in the Pantura region of Central Java are busy with a distinctive tradition known as Prepegan. This involves throngs heading to markets to buy various Eid necessities, including ketupat casings, which will be used to make ketupat consumed after performing Eid al-Fitr prayers.
In Brebes Regency, a hub for this tradition, residents, particularly women, flock to Brebes Main Market for Prepegan. Not only do they buy ready-made ketupat casings, but impromptu traders also offer on-site casing-making services.
Pantura cultural expert Atmo Tan Sidik explains that the Prepegan tradition serves as a final check on household needs not yet available before Eid. “There are two types of Prepegan: Prebegan Cilik on H-2 and Prebegan Gede on H-1 before Eid,” Atmo clarified from his home in Marpangat, Tegal City, on Friday (20/3/2026).
According to Atmo, the ketupat casings will later be filled with rice and boiled to make ketupat or lepet. This dish is eaten after Eid al-Fitr prayers as a symbol of seeking forgiveness and acknowledging mistakes. “Eating ketupat or lepet has symbolic meaning, namely admitting mistakes and asking for forgiveness,” he added.
The tradition of consuming ketupat during Eid has existed since the time of Sunan Kalijaga in the 15th century. Today, similar traditions are found in other countries, such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and southern Thailand.
Yayah, 59, a resident of Pasarbatang Ward in Brebes, says she is pleased to welcome Eid 2026 as family members from outside the area can gather. “Those who eat ketupat are usually the family at home,” she stated.
It is known that Prepegan is an important tradition for Javanese society, especially in Pantura, carried out one to two days before Eid. Traditional markets become extremely crowded, seasonal traders emerge, and purchases of fresh food ingredients, ketupat leaves, and clothing increase dramatically. This tradition reflects local wisdom and community solidarity in welcoming Eid al-Fitr.