Kirab Gedang Sewu, one of the efforts to preserve ancestral culture, as well as a form of gratitude, for indigenous peoples in Surodikraman Village Ponorogo. A number of traditional and community leaders attended the carnival.
Carrying a large tumpeng and a thousand bananas, they will circle around the local village.
“Cleaning the village is part of the ritual, so that the people of Surodikraman are protected from distress,” said Heru Trimawan, a traditional leader of Surodikraman.
He continued, Heru added that apart from being part of the ritual to avoid distress, it was also a form of gratitude for the people for the abundance of blessings from God.
“This is also part of our form of gratitude, for the blessings of God Almighty,” he added.
Besides that, the Gedang Sewu Carnival also contains quite deep philosophy. Where this reminds us all to be able to become human beings who are useful for society at large.
“The gedang or banana tree always bears fruit before it dies. This means that we can be useful for others, before death picks up. Don’t let us die in vain,” explained Heru.
Surodikraman Village Head, Supatmi said that this activity was part of the community’s wishes. Apart from that it is hoped that it will become an annual agenda. “Later on, hopefully this Gedang Sewu carnival activity can add a tourist destination for Ponorogo Regency,” he concluded. Adv/Ptr
