Hello, we meet again in Indonesian Wonder, a segment which informs you about arts and culture as well as tourism places in Indonesia. Today, we’ll take you to Bali Island to have a look at Ngejot Tradition. Stay tuned..

Ngejot tradition is still preserved among Muslims in Bali, especially those living in remote areas. It is held prior to Idul Fitri festivity marking the end of Ramadhan fasting month. In the past, prior to Idul Fitri festivity, Muslims in Bali used to perform “ngejot” or providing food to the people or neighbors who embraced different religions. "Ngejot" tradition among Muslims in the urban areas has almost disappeared, even though some of them still perform the tradition. “Ngejot" tradition for Muslim community in the rural areas shows a close relationship with Hindu community. Muslims who live in rural areas on Bali Island have performed the tradition since the kingdom era, among others at Pegayaman Village Buleleng Regency,  Budakeling Village Karangasem Regency, Petang Village Badung Regency, Kepaon, Serangan, Denpasar City and Loloan Village in Jembarana Regency.

 

If Muslim perform "ngejot" or give food to their fellow Hindu people prior to Idul Fitri Festivity, Hindu people will also give food prior to Nyepi Festivity or Day of Silence and Galungan and Kuningan festivity, the Hindu’s festivities.   This shows close relationship in their daily lives and it indirectly givens a positive impact in creating a harmonious life among religious faiths. The acculturation between Islamic culture and the Bali local culture can be seen from a cultural institution which has been developed together with Hindu’s cultural institution. 

 

The Muslim farmers also apply subak irrigation system, just like their fellow Hindu’s farmers, even though the way of expressing gratitude when harvest season comes is different, based on the religion they adhere. The element similarity between Islam and Hindu, including preserving ngejot tradition or tradition of giving food prior to Idul Fitri festivity by Muslims to their Hindu friends can become a pillar to create harmonious life and brotherhood relationship between Hindu and Islam, as well as other religions in Bali Island.

 

And that ends Indonesian Wonder for today’s edition. We meet again tomorrow, with another interesting topic. ani

 

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