Ritual must not burden villagers

GUNUNGKIDUL, Yogyakarya: Annual ritual purification activities in villages in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, should not burden people still affected by the crisis, said the head of the arts council here.

Kodrat Samadikun raised on Monday the dilemma facing some locals, given the high costs involved in many of the ceremonies, reported Antara.

However, a village head in the Semanu district said the traditional activities, which last from March to August, will continue regardless.

A night-long wayang performance, for instance, costs Rp 5 million and is usually paid for by all residents.

"The trouble is people believe that something untoward could happen if activities are not as impressive as in the past," head of the Candirejo village, Suratno Thomas, said.

Kodrat said he hoped people would settle on less expensive activities.

"The activities coincides with the registration of school students," which is already burdening parents, he said.

A public figure here, Diyan Sugiyono, said core activities should be a thanksgiving ceremony to God and prayers to keep villages secure from temptation and danger.