Although there are variations in how it is named and practiced, the core purpose of Syawalan remains the same:
-
As an expression of gratitude after successfully completing the fasting month of Ramadan.
-
To strengthen family ties and foster bonds among fellow Muslims.
In Ponorogo and other parts of Java, Syawalan takes place one week after Eid al-Fitr, specifically on the 8th of Syawal in the Islamic calendar. On this day, people gather at local mosques or prayer halls (mushola), bringing along ketupat (rice cakes), vegetables, and side dishes. After reciting a communal prayer as a form of gratitude for having completed Ramadan and the additional six days of Syawal fasting, everyone shares the ketupat meal together.
Beyond personal consumption, the ketupat is also distributed to neighbors as a symbol of solidarity and to strengthen social bonds within the community.
The Syawalan tradition is believed to have originated in the 16th century, during the Demak Sultanate era. It is said that Sunan Kalijaga introduced this practice as part of his Islamic preaching in Java.
The ketupat, or kupat in Javanese, carries deep philosophical meaning. The word kupat is derived from two phrases:
-
Ngaku Lepat – meaning “to admit mistakes,” symbolizing mutual forgiveness.
-
Laku Papat – meaning “four actions,” which include:
-
Lebaran: The conclusion of Ramadan fasting.
-
Luberan: Symbolizing charity and sharing of blessings.
-
Leburan: The erasure of sins and mistakes.
-
Laburan: Purifying oneself, like white lime symbolizing purity.
-
Syawalan is more than just a celebration; it is an integral part of Javanese culture and identity. This tradition imparts values of togetherness, forgiveness, and compassion. By preserving and celebrating Syawalan, the community not only honors ancestral heritage but also strengthens Islamic brotherhood (ukhuwah Islamiyah) and social values in daily life.