TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sadar Dalam alley in Kota Baru, Pontianak, West Kalimantan has a unique tradition that is held during the last nights of Ramadan. The tradition called Keriang Bandong is a lantern competition that is started from the 21st night to 29th nights of Ramadan.
The Melayu Indonesian residents would put on attractive-shaped lampions in the roads that lead to mosques, during the festival. The philosophy behind this tradition is to express the joy of local Muslims to welcome the Laylat al-Qadr that is believed to be the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to theIslamic Prophet Muhammad. The light was also meant to light the roads for people who want to pray at the mosques.
“Keriang means light,” said Amzar, the Chief of the local youth organization named Gembonk.
As the tradition started to fade with time, Gembonk is motivated to encourage the youngsters to re-live this festival. Keriang Bandong festival has been held for two consecutive times and this year festival is aimed to the young participants.