SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia and the world. No wonder that when the month of Ramadan arrives, Indonesians welcome it with great enthusiasm.

In fact, each region has its own pre-Ramadan traditions. As quoted from Indonesia Travel, here are some traditions or customs that have been practiced for generations before the month of Ramadan.

1. Meugang - Aceh

The town nicknamed Serambi Mekah has a unique tradition called Meugang, also known as Makmeugang or Haghi Mamagang. People in Aceh perform this tradition by buying meat in the market or slaughtering cows before Ramadan. The meat is then served with the best dishes and eaten with family, co-workers (Meugang Kantor) and villagers (Meugang di Gampong).

2. Malamang - West Sumatra

In West Sumatra, the Minang people used to do the Malamang tradition or making Lemang. Therefore, many people refer to the fasting month as the month of Lemang (lamang) in West Sumatra. Lemang itself is a traditional food in the form of glutinous rice that is put into a long bamboo, inserted with banana leaves, and then burned. 

The tradition of making Lemang is famous in several areas such as Padang, Pariaman, Padang Pariaman and Painan. In addition to the fasting month, Lemang is also often used as food for celebrations or kinship events.

3. Pacu Jalur - Riau

The excitement of Ramadan is also welcomed with joy through the Pacu Jalur tradition, in Riau. The tradition of rowing a 40-meter boat with 40 to 50 people is wrapped in sportsmanship and family values. This event is usually held on the Kuantan River.

The boats, which are used by dozens of men to race, have been maintained beforehand. This tradition has been especially present in the community of Kuantan Singingi Regency to welcome the month of Ramadan and Islamic holidays, but now it is also carried out to commemorate the Indonesian Independence Day. 

4. Munggahan - West Java

As for the people of West Java, they usually perform the Munggahan tradition about one or two days before the fasting month. Munggahan is performed by the Sundanese Muslim community to welcome the arrival of the month of Ramadan, which is performed at the end of the month of Sha'ban. It varies in form, but generally involves gathering with family and relatives, eating together, forgiving each other, pilgrimaging to graves, cleaning places of worship, and praying together. 

In addition, in ancient times, residents, especially boys, would go to the river to bathe as a sign of purification upon entering the holy month.

5. Nyadran - Central Java

Before Ramadan, the people of Central Java welcome it by performing the Nyadran tradition. This tradition is a grave pilgrimage that is performed in large numbers by residents who want to visit their family graves. The event is divided into three stages, namely Kenduri or recitation of Al Quranic verses, Dhikr, Tahlil, communal prayer, and concludes with a communal meal by laying mats on the side of the road and serving traditional food. Then the event continues with Besik or grave cleaning and concludes with a grave pilgrimage.

6. Megibung - Bali

Muslims in Karangasem Regency, Bali usually hold Megibung or cooking and eating together in a circle while sitting cross-legged before Ramadan. The community will cook traditional food, both rice and side dishes, and place it in a banana leaf covered container called a "gibungan". The side dishes are served on banana leaves called "karangan".