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CampusNet – Have you tasted the sweetness of togetherness in every bite of a cake? The residents of Buntet Islamic Boarding School uphold the Ngejaburi tradition every Ramadan. They make and share cakes with neighbors and mosques to strengthen social bonds. More than just a treat, these cakes symbolize warmth and unity.
The residents of Buntet Islamic Boarding School, Cirebon, uphold a unique tradition that strengthens social bonds during Ramadan. They practice Ngejaburi, a tradition where they make special cakes to share with neighbors and mosques. This tradition not only fosters togetherness but also enhances the festive atmosphere of worship during the holy month. But how do they preserve this tradition amid changing times? Let’s explore it further!
Residents Carry Out Ngejaburi as a Form of Togetherness
Every Ramadan, the people of Buntet Islamic Boarding School prepare various traditional cakes as a way to share blessings. They do not only make these cakes for their own families but also send them to mosques and neighboring homes. By sharing food, they strengthen social ties and remind each other of the importance of caring for others.
The Community Makes Various Traditional Cakes
When practicing Ngejaburi, the residents usually prepare traditional cakes that are easy to make and widely enjoyed. Some of the cakes they often make include:
- Coconut Root Cake: a crunchy and savory Cirebonese dry cake.
- Rangi Cake: a cake made from sago flour, topped with grated coconut and melted palm sugar.
- Wajik Ketan: a sticky rice delicacy cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk, resulting in a chewy and sweet treat.
- Klepon: a glutinous rice cake filled with melted palm sugar and coated with grated coconut.
- Putu Cake: a cylindrical-shaped cake filled with palm sugar and steamed in bamboo tubes.
They serve these cakes after Tarawih prayers or during Tadarus (Qur’an recitation) sessions at the mosque. Besides being delicious treats, these cakes symbolize togetherness and the spirit of sharing during Ramadan.
Residents Work Together in the Ngejaburi Process
As Iftar (breaking the fast) approaches, mothers and young women gather to prepare the cakes together. They process the ingredients, cook, and package the cakes with enthusiasm. While cooking, they also engage in conversations and share stories, making the activity even more meaningful.
Once the cakes are ready, they divide them into small portions and distribute them to neighbors and mosques around the Islamic Boarding School. Mosque congregants usually enjoy these cakes after Tarawih prayers or during Tadarus sessions.
The Community Preserves Ngejaburi as a Cultural Heritage
As an integral part of Ramadan in Buntet Islamic Boarding School, the residents continuously preserve the Ngejaburi tradition. They believe that sharing food is not just about giving but also about strengthening social relationships and upholding Islamic values.
Despite modern changes, they remain committed to this tradition to ensure that the values of togetherness and social care are never lost. They firmly believe that even the smallest act of kindness can bring joy and blessings to many people.
So, santri and the residents of Buntet Islamic Boarding School do more than just make and share cakes during Ramadan they also uphold the values of togetherness, care, and generosity through the Ngejaburi tradition. They embrace this tradition as part of their worship, strengthen social bonds, and preserve local culture amid changing times.
By practicing Ngejaburi, they honor their ancestral heritage and demonstrate that sharing can strengthen social connections and spread blessings during the holy month. They continue to pass down these values to future generations, ensuring that Ngejaburi remains a living tradition that benefits many.