JEPARA — Hundreds of glowing bamboo torches lit up the streets of Bandungrejo Village, Kalinyamatan District, Jepara, Central Java, during the annual “Festival Oncor Kalinyamatan” on Tuesday (26/5) night.
Creating a spectacular cultural celebration ahead of Eid al-Adha, Wednesday (27/5).
The four-kilometer torch parade transformed the village into a sea of fire and takbir chants as thousands of residents, gathered to witness one of Jepara’s most enduring Islamic cultural traditions.
Rows of traditional oncor torches, made from bamboo and cloth, flickered throughout the procession while the sound of takbir, echoed from mosque loudspeakers and mobile sound systems carried by each participant group.
Children marched alongside their parents, while dozens of participants, carried colorful miniatures and decorative displays.
Among the most eye-catching were miniature mosques, musholla replicas, Islamic gates, Kaaba-inspired ornaments, crescent moon decorations, sacrificial animal figures, or giant torch structures shaped like mosque domes and Arabic calligraphy of the word 'Allah.'
The combination of firelight, religious chants, and creative Islamic-themed displays created a festive atmosphere that blended spirituality, local wisdom, and artistic expression.
Acting Village Head of Bandungrejo, Suryanto, said the Festival Oncor Kalinyamatan has been preserved for nearly four decades and continues to grow every year.
“In the beginning, people simply carried traditional torches around the village. Today, the festival has developed with more creativity and modern artistic elements, including mosque miniatures, decorative gates, musholla replicas, and sacrificial animal mascots,” he said.
This year, at least 15 participant groups from 13 hamlets joined the annual takbir parade. Marching together around the village in a religious procession spanning approximately four kilometers.
For local residents, the oncor torch carries deep spiritual meaning beyond its physical light. The fire symbolizes faith, sincerity, sacrifice, and endurance in the journey of life.
Residents believe the flame should remain lit throughout the procession, representing perseverance and devotion inspired by the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail in Islamic tradition.
Despite rapid modernization, the people of Bandungrejo continue to preserve the tradition by adapting it creatively for younger generations.
The addition of modern ornaments and large-scale miniatures is seen as a way to keep local cultural heritage, relevant and attractive to today’s youth.
“This festival is part of spreading Islamic values, proclaiming the greatness and oneness of Allah while enlivening the night before Eid al-Adha,” Suryanto added.
He emphasized that every hamlet is encouraged to participate in the celebration.
From preparing bamboo torches and designing miniatures to organizing the marching formations, the entire event relies on strong community cooperation and mutual assistance.
Suryanto said participation and creativity continue to increase every year, making the Festival Oncor Kalinyamatan not only a religious tradition. But also a growing cultural tourism attraction in Jepara.(fik)
Editor : Admin