Tawur Kasanga Saka 1946 Hindu Ceremony: Strengthening Tolerance and Culture
On March 10, 2024, Desa Tosari, Tosari District, Pasuruan Regency, where the Baithani Christian School is located, bore witness to a sacred ceremony rich in meaning and values of unity. This ceremony, known as Tawur Kasanga Saka 1946, not only served as a religious celebration for Hindu devotees but also as a platform for tolerance and the cultural richness of the Tenggerese community.
Prior to this, the Hindu Tenggerese community in Desa Tosari performed the Melasti Ceremony, a sacred ritual aimed at cleansing oneself and clarifying the mind before entering a larger period of celebration. Following this, the Buta Yadnya (Bhuta Yajna) ritual took place, a series of ceremonies aimed at warding off the presence of negative elements in human life. Buta Yadnya not only served as a religious ritual but also as a platform for the vibrant annual festival that attracts tourism.
One distinctive feature of Buta Yadnya is the tradition of the mesmerizing ogoh-ogoh parade. Ogoh-ogoh are giant statues symbolizing evil or darkness that must be expelled from human life. The ogoh-ogoh festival is not only a celebration for Hindus but also a moment where people from various religious and cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate the cultural richness.
In the spirit of tolerance and unity, the security of the ceremony involved not only Pecalang, the Hindu community’s security team, but also REPLIKA (Village and City Care Volunteers) from the Christian community and BANSER (Multipurpose Front) from the Muslim community, along with the involvement of the police and military. This demonstrates the importance of interfaith cooperation in maintaining security and harmony amid religious celebrations.
Furthermore, the Baithani Christian School in Tosari also participated in this celebration by opening food and beverage stands. This step was not only a form of support for the ceremony but also a tangible expression of the spirit of mutual cooperation and unity within the community.
The following day, during the Nyepi Saka 1946 festival, the people of Desa Tosari demonstrated a high level of tolerance by respecting the beliefs of the Hindu community. They refrained from using electricity and avoided noises that could disturb the solemnity of Nyepi activities. This action was not only a sign of respect for religious beliefs but also a form of honoring the values held by fellow community members.
The Tawur Kasanga Saka 1946 ceremony in Desa Tosari is not just a religious celebration but also a celebration of unity, tolerance, and cultural richness. Through this opportunity, the community strengthens relationships between religious groups and maintains harmony amidst differences. This is a real example of how diversity can be a strength that unites a community. (PYC)
