religion day celebration lombok

The Religion Day Celebration in Lombok is an exploration of these living traditions, the values, and the symbols. Celebrations through historical, anthropological, and cultural perspectives

Muslim celebration day

Muslim Lombok celebration has unique local traditions that make some celebrations distinctive.

Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr)

Marks the end of Ramadan. As in the rest of Indonesia, people visit family, give forgiveness (halal bihalal), and enjoy festive meals.

Unique to Lombok: Lebaran Topat (Religion Day Celebration in Lombok)

Celebrated one week after Idul Fitri.
“Topat” means rice cake; people make ketupat and gather for picnics.
Commonly held in places like Taman Loang Baloq, Pantai Ampenan, or Taman Narmada.
A cultural blend of Islamic and Sasak traditions.

Idul Adha (Eid al-Adha)

The feast of sacrifice (Hari Raya Kurban).

Lombok people go on pilgrimage to Mecca.
Ritual slaughter and distribution of meat to the poor.

Islamic New Year (1 Muharram)

Called Satu Muharram (Religion Day Celebration in Lombok)

Some villages hold religious gatherings (dzikir, prayer) to mark the Islamic new year.

Maulid Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)

Lombok has one of the most distinctive celebrations in Indonesia.

Sasak Maulid Festival (Religion Day Celebration in Lombok)

People bring large traditional offerings called “dulangan” or “hidangan” filled with food.
Traditional music, rituals, and community feasts

Isra Mi’raj

Commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey.

Usually marked with sermons, religious lectures (pengajian), and prayer events.

Hindu religion in Lombok

Balinese Hindu communities—especially in Mataram (Cakranegara) and parts of West Lombok/North Lombok—celebrate many Hindu holy days with strong Balinese influence. Here are the main Hindu celebration days in Lombok:

Major Hindu Celebrations in Lombok

religion day celebration lombok

Galungan

Marks the victory of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil).
Villages set up penjor (decorated bamboo poles) along streets.
Hindus visit temples (pura) and family shrines.

Kuningan

Occurs 10 days after Galungan.
Believed that ancestral spirits return to heaven.
Offerings are more elaborate, and temples become very lively.

Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence)

The Hindu New Year (Saka New Year).
A day of silence, fasting, and no activity.
The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade statue symbolizes the devil.
Large demonic statues were carried through the streets as part of purification rituals.

Saraswati Day

Celebration of Goddess Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and learning.
School ceremonies, prayers at temples, and offerings on books.

Pagerwesi

Occurs four days after Saraswati.
Symbolizes strengthening oneself spiritually—“Iron Fence Day.”
Prayers for protection

Siwaratri

Night of Lord Shiva.
A day of meditation, introspection, and fasting.
Often held with overnight prayers at temples.

Tumpek Holidays

There are several Tumpek days in Balinese Hindu tradition, each with a different focus:

Tumpek Landep—metal objects (cars, tools) are blessed.
Tumpek Uduh—dedicated to plants and nature.
Tumpek Kuningan—connected to arts and culture.
Tumpek Krulut—for musical instruments.
Tumpek Wayang—for shadow puppets and arts.

Odalan (Temple Anniversary)

Every temple (pura) has its own odalan, celebrated every 210 days (one Balinese calendar cycle).

Big ceremonies occur at major Lombok temples:
- Pura Meru (Cakranegara)—the largest Hindu temple in Lombok
- Pura Lingsar—site of unique Hindu-Sasak Wetu Telu syncretic rituals
- Pura Suranadi: old temple, the first Hindu temple in Lombok
- Pura Batu Bolong (Senggigi)—beautiful cliffside ceremonies at sunset