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Seren Taun Kasepuhan Cisungsang 2024: Cultural identity and Tourism
WINDONESIA September 29, 2024
Kasepuhan Cisungsang holding Seren Taun Kasepuhan Cisungsang 2024. (Seren Taun Kasepuhan Cisungsang 2024)
Kasepuhan Cisungsang, as one of the indigenous kasepuhan communities in Lebak Regency, Banten Province, is once again holding the annual Seren Taun Cisungsant event.
The cultural event, which has "Tekad, Katakan jeung Lampah Kudu Sarua," as its theme, will showcase various traditions and arts characteristic of Banten.
The Rasul Pare ritual in Leuit marks the start of the Seren Taun, or harvest festival, series of events in the Kasepuhan Cisungsang indigenous community, which was held on Sep. 23, 2024.
The gathering also discussed a series of preparations leading up to the peak of the event, and also an evaluation of the past year in order to prepare for the coming year.
The sound of ancient angklung added to the solemn atmosphere in the kasepuhan. Moreover, traditional music such as jaipong is also among the entertainment that could be enjoyed during the 2024 Seren event.
Local cultural customs leader Abah Usep Suyatma, who was accompanied by his eldest son Raden Angga Kusuma, said that Seren Taun Cisungsang is not just a traditional event, but also a moment to strengthen ties and preserve ancestral culture.
As a cultural event, Abah Usep said that the Seren Taun Cisungsang event is a result of a unique combination. On one hand, Seren Taun as a cultural identity was founded as a form of defense of the traditional kasepuhan community. On the other hand, Seren Taun as a cultural tourism object presents unique attractions and entertainment for the wider community.
He explained that both of those aspects are combined through cultural promotions based on local wisdom. The combination is done to provide exclusivity for the implementation of Seren Taun Cisungsang so that the event could present traditional customs, local arts, traditional rituals, and even modern art displays.
"This [event] is a real evidence that Kasepuhan Cisungsang is adaptive to the dynamics of human cultural development," Abah Usep said.
Furthermore, he noted that there are two categories of events for Seren Taun Cisungsang 2024, namely traditional activities and supporting activities which displays cultural tourism and education. They were both showcased at the peak of the event, which was held from Sep. 23-29, 2024.
"The essence of this ritual is an expression of gratitude, social feedback, and vertical recognition that, through the power of God and the blessing of the ancestors, [could allow] the Kasepuhan Cisungsang indigenous community to live in prosperity, and at the same time reflect the indigenous community's local wisdom," Abah Usep concluded.
Source: rm.id