TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Leaders of the regional branch of the country’s second-largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, in Nitikan, Yogyakarta has again opened Pasar Sore Ramadhan or Ramadan afternoon market starting Sunday, May 5.

The market is renowned as Jalur Gaza alias Jajanan Lauk Sayur Gubuk Ashar Zerba Ada which sells various kinds of light snacks or takjil, dishes, and beverages to break the fast.

Managed by the organization, the market is situated along Jalan Sorogenen, Nitikan village, or five kilometers east of Jalan Malioboro. Prior to the market opening, locals established a cultural parade dubbed Grebeg Takjil along the road.

Hundreds of people donning Javanese traditional clothes copying Kraton soldiers carried a variety of foods. “We bring up takjil icons as a reminder and a mark that Ramadan has arrived so it must be welcomed with joyful,” said Muhammadiyah branch of Nitikan head, Dwi Kuswantoro.

Dwi explained that takjil was not merely a pray or relationship between human and God, but it also provides cultural messages, such as creating harmony among the society because all people have the same menu in the same place regardless of social strata.

Dwi further explained that the market is opened for a whole month of Ramadan starting Monday, May 6. The length of stalls offering takjil reached to almost 2 kilometers east of Yogyakarta Regional Hospital (RSUD) until Jogja Fish Market (Jalan Tegal Turi) and until the north along Jalan Nitikan Baru and Jalan Sidikan.

Ramadan Market has entered its 11th event, and the public enthusiasm gradually increases. Dwi mentioned a total of 300 traders join in the event this year, and in 2018 alone, the transaction reached up to Rp3.5 billion during the holy month.

PRIBADI WICAKSONO (CONTRIBUTOR)