ITINERARY

Rituals, stories and myths: Kasada ceremony

The story starts with Joko Seger - the son of a Brahman - and Roro Anteng, a princess of the Majapahit Kingdom. They settled down near Mount Bromo, ruled the area and named it Tengger. The name is derived from AnTENG and SeGER. Although the region flourished, the couple was unhappy because they couldn't have children. Joko Seger climbed Mount Bromo and prayed at the top, hoping that the Gods were listening. He was heard and answered, but he should offer his last child in return. To postpone this terrible ending, they got 25 children. The last one was called Kesuma and had to be offered.

One day Mount Bromo erupted as a signal. The Gods were asking Joko and Roro to fulfill their promise. But they couldn't. Kesuma himself learned about the agreement, while Mount Bromo's lava made the Tengger people suffer. As noble as Kesuma was, he threw himself into the crater. Mt. Bromo's eruptions suddenly stopped. Since that day, Tenggerese offer every 14th day of the 10th month of the Javanese calendar. The Tengger people offer crops and livestock.

Day 1: Surabaya - Cemara Lawang - Meeting the Shaman - Preparing local food

We pick you up at your hotel or at the international airport Juanda in Surabaya. Please, take a flight that arrives as early as possible in Surabaya. We drive in approximately four hours to Cemara Lawang village. Upon arrival, you will meet and greet with the shaman. It is important to meet him because you will join the ceremony for which you will be wearing Tenggerese clothes. Then you will observe the activities in the village. If you wish you can join to prepare food and cakes in a traditional Tengger kitchen. You will be sleeping in a hotel overlooking the landscape and the Bromo volcano (if available).

Day 2: Mt. Widodaren - Luhur Poten temple - Preparing the ceremony in Cemara Lawang

After breakfast at six o'clock, you will join with the Tengger people and walk through the Sea of Sand to Mount Widodaren. There you will find a source with holy water. Then, you will be trekking to Pura Luhur Poten, the temple in the Sea of Sand. The shaman will be spelling the water during the ceremony. Hereafter you will return to Cemara Lawang, where you can join local villagers and make Ongke. This is an offering, constructed out of fruits such as banana, apple, and other ingredients such as rice and potatoes. In the afternoon you can go back to your hotel for a short rest.

Midnight: The ceremony starts

At 22:30 the ceremony starts. In line you will trek to the temple. The Tengger people will start praying. All offers are gathered at the temple. After praying, the procession walks to the rim of Mount Bromo and throw their offers into the crater. When done, you can go back to your hotel.

Depending on your (flight) schedule, it is time to get back to Surabaya. We can either drop you in a hotel or at the airport.