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