Lately, the Javanese markets have witnessed the emergence of unique products that are only available during the last two days of Eid al-Fitr. Various types of leaves such as young coconut leaves (janur) and banana leaves, as well as boiled rice containers made of woven janur called ketupat, and young jackfruit (tewel) are once again bustling with trade. This is all an indication of the existence of "Bodo Kupat" which is commonly practiced by Javanese Muslim cultural custodians.



What is Bodo Kupat?


Bodo Kupat (or Rioyo Kupat) is a ritual ceremony performed by Javanese society on the last day of Pekan Lebaran, which is H+8 Lebaran, after fasting in Shawwal. This activity is cultural and not a religious Islamic rite, although it is performed by a majority of Muslims. The ritual emphasizes the culinary element of ketupat, which is an important part of the Bodo Kupat event.


This tradition is also often referred to as "Slametan Kupat" or simply "Kupatan". Bodo Kupat does not involve prayer rituals like Bodo Eid al-Fitr, which begins with Eid al-Fitr prayer in the morning. Nonetheless, there is a prayer for safety recitation that refers to a verse from the Quran, as well as a ceremonial activity that is carried out in the mosque or musholla.


The Islamic nuances are quite apparent from the prayer involved and the fact that most participants are Muslim. Additionally, Bodo Kupat is positioned as a long series with Ramadan fasting and Eid al-Fitr. Some Muslims in Java even see Bodo Kupat as a sign of the end of Shawwal fasting.


Origin of the Kupatan Tradition


Ketupat as a symbol of Islamic celebrations has been known since the reign of Demak in the early 15th century which was led by Raden Patah. Throughout the centuries, Bodo Kupat has been handed down from generation to generation and has become an important part of Javanese culture.


However, not all Javanese cultural custodians consistently carry out Bodo Kupat. Nonetheless, the socio-cultural of Nusantara, especially Javanese socio-culture, still strongly influence the implementation of this tradition. Bodo Kupat is one of the cultures that people in Java and some Southeast Asian countries who share the Malay culture practice.


Conclusion


Bodo Kupat is a ceremonial tradition that still exists in Java and is an integral part of Javanese culture. Although it is not a part of Islamic religious rites, Islamic nuances are still apparent in its implementation. Ketupat.