26/03/2026
Lebaran is the Indonesian term for Eid al-Fitr, the major Islamic holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It symbolizes victory over temptations, spiritual renewal, and forgiveness. It is a time for family reunions (mudik), special food like ketupat, and wearing new clothes.
As with "Raya" in Sumatra, "Bakda Riyadi" in central Java, "Lebaran" known for Eid celebration in Jakarta has been around as long as the city was still under the Dutch rule. In local customs surrounding Jakarta/Batavia, Lebaran is perceived as "finished" (fasting), "open" (heart), "abundant" (overflowing/sustenance), or "melting" (sins). The term may have its origin in Old Javanese word "lěbar" (same spelling), meaning to leave, like Lebaran which marks the end of Ramadhan. In Indonesia, certain traditions during Lebaran still have links to pre-islamic traditions such as visiting the graves of the late relatives.
In Javanese text Bakda Riyadi Satunggaling Adat Kina by K.R.A. Djaja Kramadjaja Adhi Negara, former Adipati of Majakerta, he mentions that "karameyan," a celebration that begins on the 21st of the month of Siyam and ends on the 1st of Sawal, known as "Lebaran Kupat", imitating the "karameyan" of the Majapahit era. He also mentions the tradition of people visiting tombs during the Bakda Riyadi, which the Javanese call Nyadran :
"Dumuginipun Bakda Riyadi tanggal 1 Sawal ingkang laminipun 11 dintên ngantos tanggal 8 Sawal ingkang ugi dipun wastani Lêbaran Kupat punika kintên-kintên mula bukanipun nêlad saking karameyan ing jaman Majapahit wau. Amila sujarah dhatêng pasareyan ing dintên Bakda Riyadi punika tiyang Jawi amastani: Nyadran."
The term "Nyadran" most likely comes from the word "Sraddha". In Nagarakrtagama, Sraddha is a ceremony and festive celebration held to commemorate the death of a figure during the Majapahit era. While Sraddha was held to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the death of a prominent figure, Lebaran Ketupat is also held after 11 days. Both are celebrated in almost the same way, with crowds (karameyan).
