Preserving Dieng Heritage: 13 Bajang Children Undergo Dreadlock Cutting Ritual

The tradition of cutting dreadlocked hair was one of the main highlights of the Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) 2026 at the Arjuna Temple complex in Dieng Kulon, Banjarnegara, Central Java, on Saturday (29/8/2026). Thirteen bajang children underwent the ruwatan procession after their requests were granted. Before the hair cutting, they were first paraded to the Arjuna Temple complex and underwent a jamasan purification ritual. The tradition is not only part of efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Dieng community, but also serves as the main attraction of DCF 2026, which carries the theme ‘Spirit of Harmony’. The festival, held from 28 to 30 August, is estimated to attract around 30,000 tourists.