The Pasaji Ponan Festival is an annual celebration held by the people of Moyo Hilir District, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, precisely in Bekat Hamlet. This vibrant event symbolizes unity and gratitude among the local community for their agricultural blessings and harvest.
Contents
Meaning and Timing of the Festival
The Pasaji Ponan Festival brings together villagers to express gratitude for their rice planting season and to pray for an abundant harvest in the year ahead. The word Pasaji itself reflects the spirit of offering and thankfulness.
This traditional event usually takes place in the second or third week of February each year. The main ceremony is held on Ponan Hill, a scenic location surrounded by vast rice fields — a fitting place to celebrate the beauty of nature and the blessings of hard work.
Cultural Performances Before the Main Event
Before the highlight of the festival at Ponan Hill, the residents of Poto Village organize three consecutive nights of cultural performances. These shows feature traditional dances, music, and theatrical performances that showcase Sumbawa’s rich heritage, attracting visitors from nearby villages and beyond.
Dulang: The Symbol of Unity and Gratitude
On the day of the main celebration, villagers walk together along the rice fields carrying large trays filled with traditional cakes and snacks — locally known as dulang.
Each family from the three surrounding hamlets is expected to bring their own dulang, which symbolizes unity and shared gratitude. Interestingly, the food inside the dulang is never fried — it usually consists of fruits like bananas and traditional treats that are boiled or baked.
Every type of snack inside the dulang carries a special meaning. Locals believe that the wrappings from these cakes can serve as a blessing or “medicine” for their rice plants. That’s why after the ceremony, many women bring the leftover wrappings back to their rice fields as a symbol of hope for fertility and abundance.
Event Highlights
The Pasaji Ponan Festival begins with dzikir (prayers) and communal recitation, followed by welcoming speeches from community leaders and government officials such as the regent or vice-regent.
After the speeches, cakes and snacks are distributed among visitors, creating a cheerful and communal atmosphere. The event concludes with a shared meal, reinforcing the spirit of harmony and gratitude that defines the festival.
Come and Experience Sumbawa’s Living Traditions
Visiting Sumbawa Island isn’t just about exploring its natural wonders — it’s also a journey into the island’s deep-rooted culture and traditions.
Join the Pasaji Ponan Festival and experience how the people of Sumbawa celebrate life, nature, and togetherness through this heartwarming tradition.
Below is a short video created by The Langkah Travel team that captures the beauty and meaning behind the Pasaji Ponan Festival:
