A Unique Way for the Coastal Residents of Java's North Coast to Celebrate the Peak of Idulfitri on 7 Syawal, Here are the Facts about Lomban Kupatan

Kapanlagi.com - Eid is not only celebrated on 1 Syawal. For the coastal communities of Java's North Coast, the peak of Idulfitri celebrations actually falls on 7 or 8 Syawal, known as the Lomban Kupatan tradition. This tradition is an important moment for fishermen and coastal communities in the regions of Jepara, Pati, Rembang, and Kudus, as a form of gratitude for the sea's bounty and a hope for safety at sea.

The Lomban Kupatan tradition is not just an ordinary folk festival. It contains elements of history, religious rituals, and culture that have been preserved for hundreds of years. The ritual of casting a buffalo head into the sea, the ketupat war on boats, and the culinary feast featuring ketupat lepet are all parts of the procession that are highly anticipated by the community and tourists.

So, what is the origin of Lomban Kupatan? What does it mean for the coastal communities of Java's North Coast? Here is a complete review summarized by KapanLagi.com from various sources on Wednesday (2/4/2025).

1. The History of Lomban Kupatan: From Myth to Generational Tradition

Based on the folklore that has developed in Jepara, the tradition of Lomban Kupatan originates from the story of Ki Ronggo Mulyo and Cik Lanang, two figures who managed to save the officials of the Kadipaten Jepara whose ship was almost sunk due to a storm at sea around the year 1855. As a form of gratitude, they performed a ritual of throwing offerings into the sea, which was then passed down as an annual tradition for the coastal community.

In the Pati region, Lomban Kupatan is said to have begun with the habit of a local figure named Pak Wedono, who every week after Eid would board a boat to sail along the river. Over time, this tradition evolved into a sea offering ritual, where the community would throw buffalo heads and various offerings into the mouth of the Tayu River as a form of request for safety in earning a living at sea.

In Jepara, this tradition is also known as Bodo Kupat, which is celebrated by eating ketupat together and a folk festival at Kartini Beach.

2. Ritual Procession: The Offering of Buffalo Heads and Rice Cake War at Sea

Each region has its own uniqueness in organizing Lomban Kupatan, but generally, there are several important stages that are always carried out, including:

a. Pilgrimage to the Ancestors' Grave

Before starting the Lomban celebration, the people of Jepara make a pilgrimage to the grave of Cik Lanang on Kelor Island and Mbah Ronggo. This tradition is carried out as a form of respect to the ancestors who are believed to protect the fishermen.

b. Releasing a Buffalo Head into the Sea

The main ritual in Lomban Kupatan is the release of a buffalo head into the sea, which is believed to be a sea offering so that fishermen can have abundant catches and be protected from danger while at sea. In addition to the buffalo head, various offerings such as whole chickens, traditional snacks, and ketupat lepet are also released into the sea.

In Pati, these offerings are paraded from the village hall to the river mouth before finally being released into the sea. This tradition is further enlivened by the accompaniment of a marching band and barongan art performances that enhance the festive atmosphere.

c. Ketupat War at Sea

After the release of the offerings, the community holds a Bay War, which involves throwing ketupat and lepet from one boat to another. This ritual symbolizes togetherness and joy after a full month of fasting.

In addition, the crew members also try to take seawater around the offerings to sprinkle on their ship. They believe that the seawater mixed with these offerings brings blessings and safety during their voyage.

3. The Meaning and Philosophy Behind Lomban Kupatan

Lomban Kupatan is not just an ordinary folk festival, but a tradition rich in spiritual and social meaning for the coastal communities of Pantura.

• As an Expression of Gratitude: This tradition is an expression of gratitude for the blessings provided by the sea, as well as a prayer for abundant fish catches.
• As a Ritual to Ward Off Misfortune: The offering of offerings during this event is believed to be able to ward off misfortune and protect fishermen from dangers at sea.
• As a Gathering Event: This festival also serves as a valuable opportunity for the community to come together, strengthen bonds of kinship, and preserve the cultural heritage of their ancestors.

Lomban Kupatan has become an important part of the cultural identity of coastal communities that needs to be well preserved and maintained.

4. Cultural Tourism: Lomban Kupatan Attracts Thousands of Tourists

Along with the passage of time, Lomban Kupatan has now transformed from merely a customary ritual into a stunning annual tourism event that attracts thousands of visitors from various regions.

In Jepara, the Lomban Kupatan celebration centered at Kartini Beach and Ujung Batu Fish Auction Site can captivate more than 40,000 tourists each year. The local government also plays an active role in promoting this event as an enticing cultural tourism destination, complete with a unique culinary festival and mesmerizing traditional art performances.

Meanwhile, in Pati, this tradition also serves as a special attraction for local tourists who want to witness the sacrificial offering throwing ceremony and experience the excitement of the ketupat war at the Tayu River.

5. How Can the Community Participate?

For those of you who want to experience the excitement of the Lomban Kupatan celebration, here are some interesting ways you can try:

1. Watch the meaningful sacrificial offering throwing ceremony, whether in Jepara, Pati, or other coastal areas.
2. Join the lively ketupat festival and boat races, usually held around the local harbor or beach.
3. Taste the delicious culinary specialties of Lomban Kupatan, such as ketupat lepet served with chicken opor and tempting fried sambal.
4. Explore the beauty of Kartini Beach or enjoy the atmosphere of Tayu River, which is the main hub of the Lomban celebration.

By actively participating, we can preserve this tradition, making it one of the proud cultural heritages of the northern coast of Java.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Lomban Kupatan 

1. When is the Lomban Kupatan tradition held?

Lomban Kupatan is usually held on the 7th or 8th of Syawal, or about a week after Eid al-Fitr.

2. Where is Lomban Kupatan celebrated?

This tradition is popular in the coastal areas of Northern Java, especially in Jepara, Pati, Rembang, Kudus, and surrounding areas.

3. What is the main purpose of the Lomban Kupatan tradition?

Lomban Kupatan aims to express gratitude, seek safety, and preserve ancestral traditions in the lives of coastal communities.

4. Is Lomban Kupatan open to tourists?

Yes, this event is open to the public and is one of the cultural tourism attractions in Central Java.

(kpl/mni)