• Monday, 07 October 2024

Discover Indonesia’s Cultural and Natural Wonders: The Pasola Festival in Sumba

Discover Indonesia’s Cultural and Natural Wonders: The Pasola Festival in Sumba
A Pasola festival participant holding “aipahola” or pasola wood spurs his horse during the Wanokaka Pasola Festival, in Wanokaka District, West Sumba Regency, NTT. (ANTARA)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Indonesia, an archipelago known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, hosts many cultural festivals that reflect the deep connection between its people and the land. Among the most unique of these is the Pasola Festival, celebrated on the island of Sumba. This traditional event, set against the island’s rugged beauty, blends spirituality, warfare, and agriculture, making it one of the most thrilling and culturally significant festivals in the country.

The Pasola Festival held every year on February and March. Pasola is a traditional war ritual performed to celebrate the harvest season and honor ancestors. The event takes place in vast fields with stunning views of rolling hills.

The festival features skilled horseback riders from various villages in Sumba, dressed in their traditional attire. Participants throw wooden spears at their opponents as a symbol of courage and agility.

In addition to the Pasola performances, the festival is enlivened by various cultural activities such as traditional Sumba dances, gong music, and local handicraft exhibitions. There is also a photography competition that highlights the beauty of Sumba’s culture and nature.

Pasola is rooted in a local legend of love and betrayal. The story tells of a woman named Rabu Kaba, who waited for her lover, who had gone to war. When he was presumed dead, Rabu Kaba remarried. However, her lover returned, and Pasola was performed as a redemption ceremony.

The people of Sumba believe that the blood spilled during Pasola will fertilize the land and ensure a bountiful harvest. This ritual also serves as a means to strengthen bonds between villages, As cited from sumbabaratkab.co.id.

Sumba can be accessed via flights from Bali or Jakarta. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the hospitality of the locals and the pristine natural beauty of Sumba. Be sure to respect local customs when attending this event.

The Pasola Festival offers a deep cultural experience and is one of the main attractions in Sumba. By participating in this festival, you can directly experience the richness of Indonesia’s traditions and natural beauty.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi 

Share
Lifestyle Update
The Land of Gods: Bali and the Legendary Kuta Area that Holds Historical Trails

The Land of Gods: Bali and the Legendary Kuta Area that Holds Historical Trails

Top 9 Crackers from Indonesia, Which One is Your Favorite?

Indonesians are very familiar with a variety of crackers. With their crunchy and savory texture, crackers are the perfect complement to any meal.

BTS' Jungkook Becomes First and Longest Running K-Pop Solo Artist...

BTS' Jungkook became the first K-pop solo artist to achieve the longest run on Spotify's weekly global top album chart with his solo album “GOLDEN”.

Free Library in Ho Chi Minh City That Promotes Zero-Waste Lifesty...

In Ho Chi Minh City, the zero-waste lifestyle is implemented in various aspects, and it has become one of the city's highlights.

South Korean Celebrities Who Will Finish Military Service in 2024

In South Korea, every man is required to undergo military service, including celebrities. Well, in 2024 some celebrities will finish their military service

Trending Topic
Popular Post

NewJeans Will Debut at Billboard Music Awards 2023

South Korean girl group NewJeans will perform at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards on November 19.

Golden Disc Awards 2024 Will be Held in Jakarta, Here are The Tic...

The 2024 Golden Disc Awards (GDA) will be held at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) on January 6.

PARAMABIRA, BINUS University Choir Wins International Competition...

PARAMABIRA secured victory setting the record for the highest score ever recorded in the Sing'N'Pray Kobe competition.

NewJeans Wins Top Global K-pop Artist Award at 2023 Billboard Mus...

NewJeans also won the new Top Global K-pop Artist Award. They won over Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, TWICE, and Jimin of BTS.

NCT 127 Concert Tickets "NEO CITY: JAKARTA - THE UNITY" On Sale S...

K-Pop boy group NCT 127 will hold a concert titled NCT 127 3RD TOUR "NEO CITY: JAKARTA - THE UNITY", which will be held at Indonesia.

John Legend
John Legend Shares Preparations for Upcoming Concert