As an Expression of Gratitude for Blessings, Residents of Klowoh Hold the Traditional Saparan Merti Dusun Ceremony of Klowoh 2026

As an Expression of Gratitude for Blessings, Residents of Klowoh Hold the Traditional Saparan Merti Dusun Ceremony of Klowoh 2026
Tledek Dancers at Saparan Klowoh (doc: Kelanawisata.id)

Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo — The sound of water trickling in the upper reaches of the Bogowonto River is not only the lifeblood of the residents of Klowoh Hamlet, but also a reminder to always be grateful.

In gratitude for nature’s unceasing grace and blessings that sustain the community’s well-being, the residents of Klowoh Hamlet have been holding the annual Saparan Merti Klowoh Hamlet traditional ceremony since July 21, 2026. This tradition serves as a spiritual and social gathering where all residents express their thanks to the Creator for the water source that continues to sustain their homeland.

The series of traditional rituals began solemnly with a purification procession, during which residents bathed together at the Bogowonto spring as a symbol of physical cleansing. The spirit of mutual cooperation became even more palpable as residents continued their activities by cleaning the public cemetery and the Punden Namu-Namu shrine.

Cleaning the graves serves as a gesture of respect for the village’s ancestors, while cleaning the Punden Namu-Namu is a tangible act by the residents to care for nature, which has provided water as a source of life and shared well-being. 

The feel of the culture shone even brighter from the first through the third day, which were filled with village celebrations and Tayub dance performances. During these moments, traditional arts served not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means of expressing deep gratitude.

The presence of Tledek dancers in the Tayuban arena added a special significance—it created a space for residents to offer bisaroh or alms, particularly for those wishing to fulfill a vow during the Nyawang Gati procession.

The excitement of this traditional celebration continued on the fourth and fifth days with a Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performance that successfully drew the attention of residents from all walks of life. This noble art performance not only conveys noble values and the philosophy of community life but also serves as an effective medium for strengthening bonds of friendship among residents.

Through this traditional performing art, the sense of community and the local cultural identity of the Klowoh people continue to be strengthened and preserved across the ages.

As the culmination and conclusion of this entire meaningful series of events, the Saparan Klowoh tradition concludes on a religious note with a Grand Religious Gathering. In a serene atmosphere filled with prayers, the entire community gathers, bowing their heads, imploring that blessings, safety, and the preservation of Bogowonto’s natural environment continue to be bestowed upon future generations.

Untung, a resident of Klowoh, emphasized that Saparan Klowoh proves that preserving traditions and protecting the environment are inseparable—they go hand in hand.