Boyolali, en.SERU.co.id – Residents of Dusun Mlambong, Sruni Village, Musuk District, Boyolali, paraded approximately 300–400 cows and goats. This unique livestock procession celebrates the Bakda Kupat tradition, also known as Lebaran Ketupat, on Saturday (March 28, 2026), or 8 Syawal 1447 Hijriah.
Jaman, a community leader from Sruni Village, explained that this annual event is a cultural heritage from the Wali Songo aimed at honoring Prophet Sulaiman. Beyond its spiritual aspect, the procession also serves important social and practical functions for the community, whose majority work as livestock farmers.
“Events like this actually strengthen family and community bonds (silaturahmi). Technically, parading the cows allows the animals from different owners to meet one another, which is expected to stimulate their mating instincts so they conceive more quickly. In addition, we hope for abundant agricultural yields, because livestock manure here is the main fertilizer for the villagers’ fields,” said Jaman.
The activity began at 06:30 WIB with a communal feast along the rural roads. Residents sat on mats, sharing food and side dishes with one another. After a joint prayer, the livestock — including cows, goats, and poultry — were fed ketupat. They were then paraded around the village toward the main stage.
The event concluded with a procession featuring a two-meter-high gunungan (mountain-shaped offering) of agricultural produce, followed by the Reog Buto Gedruk dance. Upon reaching the main stage, residents immediately rushed to grab items from the gunungan to “take the blessings” (ngalap berkah).
Uniquely, the vegetables and fruits obtained from the gunungan are not cooked but are instead replanted or used as livestock feed. This symbolizes the hope for fertile farmland and thriving animal reproduction.
“I took fennel leaves, eggplants, and green beans. These are for the cows, so they will multiply and bring better fortune in the future,” said Hanifa, one resident who joined in grabbing items from the gunungan. (gts/rhd)
