Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony

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A. Overview

Mbah (a Javanese term of address for an old person) Bergas was a loyal follower of Sunan Kalijaga who took the duty of keeping and spreading Islamic teachings in Margoagung Village, Sayegan, Sleman. While doing his work, he often cured people from illnesses. His service to Mergoagung people was so great. People believe that he was the founder of Ngino, a hamlet in Mergoagung Village. Mbah Bergas was a figure that was highly-respected by the people of Ngino, Mergoagung.

They say, when he lived in the village, Mbah Bergas never missed holding the ritual merti desa (cleaning the village environment) after a harvest as a form of gratefulness to God for the abundant crops, safety, and good fortune, and also as a wish for a better life in the future. The ritual has been prevailing for a very long time now.

After Mbah Bergas died, the people kept on doing the ceremony. Now apart from being a form of gratefulness to God for the harvest, it is also conducted to commemorate Mbah Bergas’ service as the founder of Ngino. For that the ceremony of merti desa is changed into Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony. The ceremony is held once a year, on Kliwon (day in Javanese calendar) Friday in May.

The traditional ceremony of Mbah Bergas consists of two main events, namely the cleaning-up activity and the cultural parade which is also the closing ceremony. Besides that, there are usually some other art shows such as all-night-long puppet show and pasar malam (an outdoor fair held in the evening). Now that people from outside the area hear about the ceremony, it is no longer a mere cultural ritual but also a tourism attraction.

B. Features

Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony usually starts many days before the main events with the pasar malam and art shows. Then the main events begin in Thursday evening with the rite of taking holy water called tujuh klenthing (Tirta Saptomulyo) in Planangan spring, which is believed to be created by Mbah Bergas by thrusting his stick to the ground. Mbah Bergas used to have his ritual ablution in this spring. Then from there, the people would walk in numbers to Mbah Bergas’ grave which lies in a 5x5 meter building. After that the event will be continued with tirakatan (some kind of night vigil) interspersed with karawitan, cokekan, and macapat musical performance.

On Friday morning, kenduri (ritual meal) is held to continue the ceremony. All offerings and gunungans (various kinds of food arranged in mountain-like figure) will be put at Mergoagung Village Hall. Every year, there are three gunungans in the procession. The first one is gunungan pari, which contains rice that will be used in the bersih desa ceremony. The second gunungan is gunungan wulu telu, which contains various vegetables and fruits to symbolize the natural products of Ngino. The last one contains offerings such as cone-shaped rice, boiled turkey, flowers, a pot that contains water from Planangan spring, and chewing betel leaves for which was Mbah Bergas’ predilection.

At 14.00, the dances will be performed in the yard before Mergoagung Village Hall. People will carry the gunungans to Ngino after that. The procession will consist of the three gunungans, various art groups, and also bregodo prajurit (troops). Some marching band groups usually take part in this event, warding off the three gunungans. In the march, the village elderly were all wearing Javanese traditional wardrobe.

At Ngino, people will pour the Planangan Spring water to a banyan tree which is believed to be the place where Mbah Bergas performed meditation. The rest of the water will be put into a large bowl next to the tree and also share for people who believe that the water has supernatural power. The gunungans will then be blessed and people will start to fight over the food in them (rayahan). To close the ceremony, a puppet show is held all night long starting from Friday evening.

C. Location

Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony is held in Ngino, Mergoagung Village, Sayegan District, Sleman Regency.

D. Access

To reach the location of Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony in Ngino, Mergoagung, you can use your own vehicle or public transportation. Mergoagung Village can be easily reached from Magelang Street. At Jombor Bus Station, you should take the west turn and follow the road heading for Sayegan District. You will later see a sign that reads Mbah Bergas at the side of the road. And if you use public transportation, you should get to Jombor Bus Station first then take a village cab to Sayegan.

E. Ticket

Tourists do not get charged for ticket to watch Mbah Bergas Traditional Ceremony. You will need to pay for the parking charge though.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Although the location of Mbah Bergas Ceremony is in village, tourists who do not need to worry about inns and other facilities. Mergoagung is quite close to the center of Sleman Regency so that usual facilities are available. However, there is a small mosque in Ngino. There are other shows for tourists during the event, from dance to puppet show, all is free of charge.

Text: Elisabeth Murni
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

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please contact:

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Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
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