The holy month of Ramadan has come to an end, and Muslims all around the world are getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr or Dus Idul Fitri in Indonesia. This is a time of rejoicing, forgiveness, and gratitude for all the blessings received during the month of fasting. In this article, we will take a closer look at the customs and traditions of Dus Idul Fitri in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world.
What is Dus Idul Fitri?
Dus Idul Fitri is the Indonesian term for Eid al-Fitr, which is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, during which Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in any sinful behavior from dawn until sunset. The word ‘Dus’ in Indonesian means ‘returning home,’ and this holiday is all about returning to one’s family and community to celebrate together.
When is Dus Idul Fitri?
The date of Dus Idul Fitri is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which means it falls on a different day each year. In Indonesia, the government usually announces the exact date a few days before the holiday, so people can make preparations accordingly. This year, Dus Idul Fitri is expected to fall on May 13th, 2021.
How is Dus Idul Fitri Celebrated in Indonesia?
Dus Idul Fitri is a time of great joy and celebration in Indonesia, and the festivities usually last for several days. Here are some of the most common customs and traditions associated with the holiday:
The Takbiran
The Takbiran is a tradition that starts a few days before Dus Idul Fitri. Muslims gather in mosques or in the streets to recite the Takbir, which is a declaration of the greatness of Allah. The Takbiran usually starts after the last Tarawih prayer and continues until the morning of Dus Idul Fitri. People often decorate their homes and streets with colorful lights and banners to mark the occasion.
The Mudik Tradition
Mudik is the term used for the annual exodus of people from the cities to their hometowns in the countryside. It is a long-standing tradition in Indonesia, and during Dus Idul Fitri, it is estimated that around 20 million people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This has been a challenging issue in recent years due to the high number of road accidents and traffic jams, but it remains an important part of the holiday for many Indonesians.
| Year | Number of Mudik Travelers |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 19.7 million |
| 2017 | 19.8 million |
| 2018 | 19.9 million |
| 2019 | 19.4 million |
The Lebaran Tradition
Lebaran is the Indonesian term for the celebration of Dus Idul Fitri. People usually wear new clothes, visit their family and friends, and exchange gifts and food. It is also customary to ask for forgiveness and seek reconciliation with anyone with whom one may have had a dispute or misunderstanding. This is a time of forgiveness and unity, and people often express their gratitude for the blessings they have received during the month of Ramadan.
The Ketupat Tradition
Ketupat is a traditional Indonesian dish that is commonly served during Dus Idul Fitri. It is made of rice that is wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch and boiled until it is fully cooked. Ketupat is often served with chicken or beef curry, and it is a staple dish during the holiday season. It is said that ketupat symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the Indonesian people.
Conclusion
Dus Idul Fitri is a time for Muslims in Indonesia to return to their family and community, celebrate together, and express their gratitude for all the blessings they have received. From the Takbiran to the Mudik and Lebaran traditions, this holiday is a unique and joyous occasion that brings people together in a spirit of unity and forgiveness. May you all have a blessed and happy Dus Idul Fitri!
