I am a student studying in Surabaya and I am a migrant in this city. As the last days of the fasting month approach, it is time for me to return to my hometown, Malang. But I did not celebrate Eid al-Fitr this year in Malang, but in another city that I haven’t visited for almost 3 years, that is Pekalongan. The day I returned to Malang first, I took the train and at that time the station was very crowded unlike usual. People flock to return to their respective homes or to their hometowns to meet, gather, and celebrate Eid with the families they have missed all along. We who usually enter the train car comfortably, had to be crowded that day because of the crowd of passengers. But it doesn’t upset me because it shows the enthusiasm of the people to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. And two days before Eid al-Fitr, I decided to visit my family’s hometown, especially my dad’s family in Pekalongan, a city located in the heart of Central Java, Indonesia. The excitement of celebrating Eid al-Fitr with my dad’s family was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to join in the festivities.
Before going to Pekalongan, we went to Tuban first to pick up my aunt or my dad’s sister and her family to go to Pekalongan together. Because at that time we were still fasting, we finally broke our fast there. We were treated to a variety of Tuban specialties such as curry chicken which is richer and spicy like the characteristics of Tuban and also there are other foods. Before breaking the fast, my brother and I accompanied by my uncle went around the village to look for iftar snacks. And interestingly, behind my aunt’s house is the sea which we rarely meet. Therefore, my brother and I were very excited when we saw the sea with its beautiful sunset. It is very interesting.
The funny thing that I experienced when I was in Tuban was that many people there looked at us with unusual looks. At that time, I, my sister, and my brother were riding a motorcycle along the beach, many locals there were relaxing on the beach while waiting for the time to break the fast. But when we passed in front of them, they looked at us with a strange look that sometimes made us uncomfortable. Then when I bought a snack at one of the roadside vendors, there was a customer who asked me if I was from Jakarta, it really made me surprised and also wanted to laugh, do I look as luxurious as I look? Even though I only wear a t-shirt and regular trousers. And I asked her why she thought I was from there because my face was different from the faces of the locals and my different tone of speech that made them guess that me and my siblings were not the locals. And it is such a funny thing that I get there.
As I arrived in Pekalongan, I was greeted by the warm smiles of my relatives. As I walked through the vibrant streets of Pekalongan when arrived there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and happiness. The city was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, and the air was filled with the delicious aromas of traditional Indonesian cuisine. The colorful decorations and twinkling lights added to the festive atmosphere, making me feel like I was part of something special. After a day of celebrating with my loved ones, we took a short trip to the nearby beach, where we were greeted by the soothing sounds of the waves and the warm breeze of the ocean. The sunset over the water was breathtaking, and I felt grateful to have experienced the beauty of nature amidst the celebrations. The combination of the city's energetic atmosphere and the peacefulness of the beach made me feel truly happy and at peace, and I knew that this Hari Raya would be a memory to cherish forever. The city was bustling with activity, with people preparing for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The air was filled with the aroma of traditional Indonesian dishes, such as ketupat and opor ayam, which are typically served during Eid al-Fitr. My dad’s family welcomed me with open arms, and we spent the day catching up and sharing stories. We talked about our lives, our work, and our families, and I was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my roots. And as the day went on, we began preparing for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. We decorated the house with colorful decorations, such as lanterns and streamers, and prepared traditional Indonesian dishes to share with our neighbors and friends. And in the night before the day, there were many fireworks lit and children were also doing a parade around while reciting takbiran as a sign of their enthusiasm to welcome the eid day tomorrow.
On the day of Eid al-Fitr, we woke up early to do the morning prayer, known as shalat Idul Fitri. The prayer was held at the local mosque, and it was a beautiful experience to see the community come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan. My family and I went to different mosques because we have a lot of family members and the car was not enough. And after the prayer, we returned home to enjoy a traditional Indonesian breakfast, consisting of ketupat, opor ayam, and other delicious dishes. We spent the morning visiting our relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and well-wishes. As the day went on, we participated in various activities, such as playing games and watching traditional Indonesian performances. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, and I felt grateful to be a part of this special celebration. After the prayer, we immediately went around visiting our neighbors to strengthen our bonds and connections. By midday, we had finished our activities, and I started to feel sleepy. So, I decided to take a short nap while waiting for the elders to plan their next visit. One of the highlights of the day was the visit to the local cemetery, where we paid our respects to our ancestors and loved ones who had passed away. We recited prayers and left flowers at their graves, as a way of honoring their memory and seeking their blessings. As the sun began to set, we gathered around the dinner table to enjoy a traditional Indonesian dinner while waiting all the family gather there. The food was delicious, and the company was even better. We shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company, feeling grateful for the blessings of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid is a special moment when all family members gather. All of my father’s brothers and sisters gathered at my grandmother’s house to apologize, starting with the eldest to apologize to my grandparents, and continued by the grandchildren who apologized. After the apology session, it was followed by the distribution of THR (Eid money) by the aunts and uncles. At my age of 20s years, I don’t think I get money because in my mother’s family only small children get money. But if in my father’s family it turns out that the older he is, the more nominal he gets, and I am very happy because I get a lot of money more than the previous years.
It feels very significant not to have met my family there for three long years. A cousin who was once very small at belly button height, is now almost my height. My aunt who previously had only two children, now has three. My uncle, who had just gotten married, now has a wife who is pregnant. Over time, the family which originally consisted of just two people, has grown into a big family. The difference is truly palpable despite only being a span of three years. That is what I long for there, a large family that cares for one another. They especially remember me fondly as someone who really loves nasi megono (Pekalongan special food). When I am there, they are excited to buy it for me and watch me enjoy that dish again. Because if you visit there, it feels incomplete if you haven’t experienced the deliciousness of that savory nasi megono.
The Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Pekalongan were truly unforgettable, and I felt grateful to have experienced them. The city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, the delicious food, and the joyful company of my relatives and friends all combined to create a truly special experience. As I looked back on my visit to Pekalongan, I felt grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and to experience the beauty and richness of Indonesian culture. The Eid al-Fitr celebrations are a time for family and friends to come together, to share in the joys and struggles of life, and to seek blessings and guidance from our loved ones and our faith. They are a time for us to reflect on the past year, to forgive and forget, and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
Comments
Post a Comment