The Legacy of Sunan Kalijaga in the Lebaran Ketupat Tradition in Pantura

Hari Raya Idulfitri, or commonly known as Lebaran, is synonymous with ketupat. Ketupat serves as a symbol of Lebaran and one of the characteristic foods always prepared for the festive day. Lebaran Ketupat is celebrated by Javanese communities by gathering with family after Id prayers at the mosque.

This tradition of eating ketupat during Lebaran is also observed by the extended family of Bani Carmid bin Carya, residents of Banjarharjo Village, Banjarharjo Subdistrict, Brebes Regency, Central Java, on Saturday (21/3/2026).

Comprising the mother, children, in-laws, and grandchildren, they immediately enjoyed the ketupat prepared a day earlier. They appeared thoroughly engrossed in savouring the delicious ketupat with family, including some members who had returned from afar.

Pantura cultural expert Atmo Tan Sidik stated that Javanese communities always celebrate Lebaran Ketupat every year. This tradition has a long history and profound meaning in the life of Javanese society.

“Eating ketupat also carries symbolic meaning. Ketupat in Javanese is called Lepet, which means ‘lepat’ or wrong in Indonesian. For each individual who has made mistakes or lapses over the past year, this tradition becomes a moment for mutual forgiveness,” said Atmo.

According to Atmo, who was once honoured as a Maestro Preserver of Cultural Heritage or Maestro of Traditional Arts by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2014, the tradition of consuming ketupat during Lebaran has existed since the time of Sunan Kalijaga in the 15th century.

“Currently, similar traditions are also found in other countries, such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and southern Thailand,” remarked the former Head of Public Relations for the Brebes Regency Government.

It is known that eating ketupat during Lebaran has become an important tradition for Javanese communities, especially in Pantura.