WPO West Java Movement, Led by HE Arya Sukma Bayanata SE, Revives Sundanese Tradition “Hajat Buruan”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Bandung — The WPO West Java Movement, directly led by HE Arya Sukma Bayanata, SE, Regional Director of WPO West Java Region, together with local cultural activists, held the Sundanese tradition of “Hajat Buruan”, which literally means “thanksgiving in the yard”. This event became a moment for the community to gather, express gratitude, and seek protection from the Creator and ancestors.
What is Hajat Buruan?
Hajat Buruan is a thanksgiving tradition that includes rituals such as:
Ngaruwat Bumi (cleansing and praying for earth’s safety)
Cucian Pusaka (ritual cleansing of heirlooms)
Performances of traditional arts like Bukan Tarawangsa = Gondang Buhun
Offering a buffalo sacrifice representing seven members of unsung veteran families.
Main Objectives
Gratitude & Blessings: Thanking for sustenance, safety, and harmony.
Protection from Disaster: Praying to avoid calamities.
Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding Sundanese heritage and values, educating the younger generation.
Harmony with Nature: Emphasizing the relationship between humans and the environment.
Implementation
Time: Held annually or on specific significant dates.
Venue: Family yards or communal fields in traditional villages.
Rituals:
- Preparation: Villagers prepare sesajen (offerings) such as tumpeng, sawen (spiced skewers), parawanten (rice dishes, vegetables, fish, etc.).
- Cleansing: Begins with ngaruwat or cuci pusaka for purification.
- Offering: Buffalo sacrifice representing seven members of unsung veteran families.
- Joint Prayer: Led by Sundanese elders and WPO West Java Regional Director.
- Arts: Accompanied by traditional instruments like kacapi, lisung, halu, and agricultural tools with Lengser chanting.
The event was attended by locals, community leaders, and cultural activists, proving the preservation of ancestral heritage. This nearly extinct pure Sundanese tradition is hoped to continue thriving.
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