Silent mode in celebrating Eid in Hutananbolon

Central Tapanuli-North Sumatra (ANTARA) - A different atmosphere enveloped Hutananbolon, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026. Islamic decorative ornaments were nowhere to be seen along the village lanes. What remained was only a expanse of mud and sand, seemingly replacing the role of the usual variety of religious decorations that mark the holiday in previous years. House doors were tightly shut. Streets that were usually filled with residents exchanging visits were now deserted. There were no sounds of children’s laughter, nor the buzz of family conversations during visits. The village seemed to pause for a moment, harbouring wounds that have not fully healed since the flash flood struck at the end of November 2025. In a simple house that still stands, Rasokki Panggabean sat on the terrace with his family. Rasokki is the local neighbourhood head. In previous years, the house was always bustling with visits from family, relatives, and residents coming to exchange greetings. Last year, complete dishes were served, and laughter filled every corner of the room. However, this year, the different atmosphere felt so real. Only small portions of ketupat the size of a child’s fist were served on a white-patterned plate. As a complement to the simple meal, Rasokki prepared one kettle of warm plain water for any guests who came. “This is how our Eid is this time, just as it is,” said Rasokki softly. This year has been a difficult time for Rasokki and 197 other family heads in Hutananbolon. The annual traditions in welcoming Eid al-Fitr are no longer visible in the village. Smoke, a sign of the tradition of cooking lemang together, which usually billows into the air from residents’ backyards, is no longer seen. The tradition of making nastar biscuits, onion biscuits, and various other dry cakes has also disappeared. “Usually we do make lemang. This time we didn’t, because of the conditions anyway. So we didn’t think about making those kinds of cakes anymore,” he said.