How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

The Eid al-Fitr celebration will last for two to three days, where on the morning of the first day of Eid al-Fitr Muslims will perform the Eid prayer. At the same time, Muslims will congratulate each other on Eid al-Fitr with a formal handshake and hug to share happiness and forgive each other for past mistakes. It doesn't stop there, in the homes there will also be sweet dishes and gifts which are often given to children and those in need.

Muslims on the day of Fitri will forgive each other. These traditions will vary from country to country. In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr will be a national holiday. Schools and offices will be closed so that on holidays Muslims can gather with family, relatives, friends and neighbors around where they live.

 

In the United States (US) and the UK, Muslims can request time off from school and work so they can travel or celebrate with family and friends. In countries such as Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights, or flowers. Special food will also be served to entertain friends, neighbors and extended family who will be invited to gather together.

In places like Jordan, with a predominantly Muslim population, several days before the Eid al-Fitr holiday arrives they will hunt for gifts in local malls and Ramadan markets. They will prepare to exchange gifts during Eid. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as, "Lesser Bayram" or "festival" in Turkish.

 

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and is often interpreted as a day of victory. Apart from reflection and joy, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is meant to be a time of joy and blessings for all Muslims and a time to share one's wealth with those who cannot afford to share in the happiness of the holiday.

 

Eid al-Fitr traditions in Indonesia

Each region certainly has its own unique traditions for celebrating Eid al-Fitr, as do Muslims in Indonesia. You must be very familiar with going home, takbiran, buying new clothes, and so on, right? These are only a small part of the traditions commonly practiced by Muslims in Indonesia. There are various distinctive traditions with unique stories behind them. 

 

The following are some Eid al-Fitr traditions in Indonesia that are still carried out today:

 

Homecoming

Returning home or going home is quite a phenomenal Eid tradition for Indonesians. This tradition is usually carried out a few days or even weeks before Eid al-Fitr arrives. This tradition is a moment for families who have migrated to various regions to stay in touch with each other.

Ketupat

The Eid al-Fitr celebration feels incomplete without the presence of ketupat and other side dishes. Ketupat is one of the typical Indonesian foods when Eid arrives. Usually ketupat is served with opor, rendang, curry, fried potato chili sauce, and other typical dishes. 

The night of the last day of Ramadhan

The next Eid tradition that is synonymous with Muslims in Indonesia is takbiran night. Usually takbiran is done in the evening before Eid al-Fitr, where people will go around chanting takbir while beating drums lively. However, generally the takbiran parade is different in each region, depending on the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation in that area. 

Pilgrimage to the grave

The next tradition is the pilgrimage or 'nyekar' to the graves of family and ancestors. Usually this tradition is carried out the day before Eid al-Fitr or after the Eid prayer. It is not uncommon for people to bring flowers or incense when visiting graves.

Eid parcels or hampers

Parcels or hampers are also one of the Eid al-Fitr traditions which is quite popular in Indonesia. Usually people will send parcels or hampers to each other, whether for family, friends or work colleagues who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Currently, many Eid parcels are quite varied and creative, making it easier for you to choose a suitable parcel. 

THR

Another Eid tradition that is identical in Indonesia is the sticky greeting or distribution of THR. Usually this tradition is carried out by family members who are adults and have income, later they will distribute envelopes containing some money to their younger relatives. It's not surprising that THR has become a tradition that children look forward to when Eid al-Fitr arrives. 

Gathering to ask for forgiveness

Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia is also very synonymous with gatherings from one house to another. Usually friendly or halal bi halal activities are carried out on the first and second days of Eid al-Fitr. This is a moment to visit family, friends or neighbors to forgive each other and celebrate the holiday. 

These are some of the Eid traditions that are identical to those carried out by most Muslims in Indonesia.

Read More

Mount Agung is a Balinese Symbol of Wisdom

Mount Agung is a Balinese Symbol of Wisdom

Tahbrontak - Mount Agung, a stratovolcano volcano, boasts a large summit and frequently erupts with smoke (asap) and steam (uap). Beyond its location and height, there are several notable facts about Mount Agung.

With a height of 3,142 meters, Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali. It is located in the Rendang district of the Karangasem province of Bali and is revered as a sacred site among Balinese residents. Specifically, Pura Besakih, considered the most important temple for Hindus in Bali, is situated on its slopes.

When the weather is clear from the summit of Mount Agung, one can see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the nearby island of Lombok. As the highest peak in Bali, Mount Agung has become one of the top attractions for tourists.

For those unable to climb Mount Agung, it is essential to understand the difficulty level of the desired climb. Novice hikers or those embarking on their first trip up Mount Agung are highly recommended to use a guided trail (pemandu) to avoid undesirable areas such as getting lost (tersesat) or injured (cedera).

In ancient Bali, Mount Agung was called Gunung Thorankil and was considered the palace of Mahadewa and Hyang Putra Jaya. In the Ramayana tale of Kisikindha Palwa, the mountain is referred to as Agung Udaya Palwata.

According to the Chronicle of Mount Agung, the mountain first erupted in 89 AD, with subsequent eruptions in 92 AD, 148 AD, and 189 AD. The Kanginan Karangasem area of Mount Agung reportedly erupted in 1543, 1615-1616, 1665, 1683-1684, and 1710-1711.

The First Recorded Eruption

Mount Agung is believed to have erupted between October 1710 and February 1711. This eruption is the first recorded in history, as documented in the Babad Gumi Lontar (version Pusdok Lontar and Geddon Kircha 719/3.Va), Babad Tusan, and Thatwa Batur Karawasan chronicles. During this period, hot water impacted villages such as Desa Bukit, Kyauchuk, Bantas, Kayu Aya, Kayu Petak, Tanjung, Rijasa, Mandala, Pagametan (Gerogak, Buleleng), and other areas like Tamblingan. Mount Agung also erupted in the early 18th century.

The Latest Eruption

The most recent eruption occurred in July 2018, emitting lava within a 2 km radius. This eruption displayed Strombolian activity, accompanied by loud explosive sounds (gedebuk).

Pura Besakih on the Slopes of Mount Agung
One of the most important temples in Bali, Pura Besakih, is located on the slopes of Mount Agung. When viewed from Pura Besakih, the mountain appears as a perfectly pointed cone. However, the peak is actually long and narrow, ending in a wide, circular crater.

Balinese Hindus believe that Mount Agung is the dwelling place of the gods, and their palace is located there. Consequently, the Balinese people consider this place sacred. Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung was miraculously spared from the lava flows during the 1963 eruption. Locals believe that the 1963 eruption was a divine warning. According to historical records, Pura Besakih and Mount Agung form the foundation of Balinese society.

Mount Agung stands as a potent symbol of wisdom, spirituality, and natural power in Bali. Its historical eruptions, sacred significance, and challenging yet rewarding climbs continue to attract both devout worshippers and adventurous tourists, making it a central figure in Bali's cultural and natural landscape.

Read More

The Problems of Waste and Homelessness in Paris

The Big Problems of Waste and Homelessness in Paris

Tahbrontak - Imagine a bright morning in Paris. The sun begins to rise, its rays beautifully reflecting off the Seine River. You decide to take a walk along the charming cobblestone streets, hoping to enjoy the city’s magic that never seems to fade. However, your steps are disrupted by an unexpected sight: piles of trash littering the streets and several people sleeping on the sidewalks.

In another part of the city, a different scene unfolds. Along the usually glamorous Champs-Élysées, there are heaps of garbage that haven't been collected yet. On the sidewalks, some people in shabby clothes try to keep warm in the chilly morning air. They are part of the growing homeless community in the city.

Paris is a city with a population of about 2 million people, but every year, more than 30 million tourists visit. Imagine the amount of trash generated by so many people! Trash cans on street corners are often full, and sometimes the garbage overflows before sanitation workers can collect it.

Behind the scenes, waste management in Paris is actually very complex. The city has a strict waste separation system where garbage must be sorted into organic waste, plastic, paper, and glass. However, not everyone follows these rules, especially tourists who stay for a short time and may not be familiar with the system. As a result, a lot of mixed and unsorted waste ends up piling up on the streets.

Additionally, sanitation workers sometimes go on strike to protest their working conditions. When this happens, trash accumulates more quickly than usual, making the typically beautiful city look a bit less clean.

Behind the grand buildings and elegant cafes, there is another side of Paris that not many people know about. The cost of living in Paris is very high. Renting a small apartment can be very expensive. For some people, especially those with low incomes or who have lost their jobs, living on the streets becomes the only option.

Not only local residents, but many of the homeless in Paris are also migrants and refugees who come with hopes of a better life. They come from various parts of the world, leaving behind homes plagued by conflict or economic hardship. However, upon arriving in Paris, they face harsh realities: finding work is not easy, and shelters are often full.

Additionally, some of the homeless struggle with mental health issues or addiction. Without adequate support and services, they find it difficult to break out of this vicious cycle. On cold nights, they seek refuge under bridges or in hidden corners of the city.

Under the Pont Neuf, one of the oldest bridges in Paris, some people build temporary shelters from cardboard and blankets. Many of them are migrants who came with hopes for a better life, but reality has turned out far from their dreams. The high cost of living and lack of job opportunities have trapped them on the streets.

Near Gare du Nord, the busiest train station in Paris, many homeless people gather. They come from various backgrounds: some are war veterans, migrants, or even former office workers burdened by debt. This station becomes a temporary refuge for those who have nowhere else to go.

The Paris city government, along with various non-governmental organizations, continues to seek solutions. They are building more shelters, providing mental health services, and introducing job training programs to help the homeless achieve a better life. On the other hand, they are also striving to improve the waste management system and educate residents and tourists about the importance of waste separation.

Although the challenges are significant, these efforts show that there is hope and commitment to make Paris a city that is not only beautiful but also clean and inclusive for everyone.

Large-scale campaigns to educate the public about the importance of waste separation and recycling are being intensified. In some areas, such as along the banks of the Seine, you can see different colored trash bins for each type of waste. These are small steps but very meaningful for the city's cleanliness.

Read More

Year-End tourist destinations in Asia

Year-End Tourist Destinations in Asia

The end of the year is the time for tourists to organize their holidays with different tours. It's not just vacations and accommodation, but also foreign tourists. In fact, now is a good time to plan your year-end vacation.

According to the report, by 2020, 80 percent of citizens in the Asia-Pacific region will go to neighboring countries that are also part of the Asia-Pacific region. So, for those who are still hesitating to choose a vacation destination with family or friends, Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia can be an option.

At the end of the year, you really planned a vacation with friends, family or as a couple. If you are going on vacation abroad this winter is your choice, don't forget to prepare the clothes you will wear to make your trip more comfortable and always look good.

Holidays abroad have their own joys. There is so much to explore in these countries, from food, entertainment, shopping or just pampering yourself by staying in luxury accommodation. For those who want to vacation in these four countries, here is some great information and offers from Mastercard to make your vacation more enjoyable. According to Skyscanner, here are the countries with the best sales going to the end of the year, what are they? Let's take a look. 

1. Taipei, Taiwan

At the end of the year, the weather in Taipei is perfect. For the best panoramic views and photos of the city, climb Taipei 101 and enjoy the view from the 6th tallest building in the world (tip: you don't need to queue to buy tickets online). Enjoy the culture and history by visiting the National Palace Museum, home to the largest collection of Chinese art in the world. 

2. Seoul, South Korea

The 20-meter Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza Hotel will give you the Christmas feeling. It is not surprising that many people choose Seoul for their end-of-year vacation. You can also enjoy a lot of Korean food. Especially for those who like K-Drama or K-Pop, it is good to spend time in BLACKPINK country.

3. Bali, Indonesia

If you are tired of city life, going to Bali is the right choice to relax. You can find beaches, yoga, spas and even mountain slopes.

4. Nepal

Nepal is home to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. Mount Everest is a popular tourist destination for climbers who want to experience a different adventure. It is not surprising that the average temperature in Nepal ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius, while in winter it can reach 15 degrees to -2 degrees Celsius in the Himalayan region. Apart from this, you can enjoy this city by visiting ancient temples with Himalayan mountains.

5. Tokyo, Japan

You can visit Buddhist temples and hot springs. Shinjuku and Shibuya are very beautiful at the end of the year. Or try different cuisines in Japan.

6. Phuket, Thailand

To celebrate the end of the year, Phuket is the right choice. Because it has unique accommodation, you can stay in a hotel or villa with a beautiful beach. 

7. Tibet

A visit to Tibet's capital, Lhasa, offers a spectacular view when winter arrives. The winter experience is unique and cannot be found in other countries. The region will be covered in heavy snow and the cold will reach -13 degrees Celsius. 

8. Turkey

Turkey is a popular country that tourists visit during summer. They often go to Cappadocia and fly in hot air balloons to enjoy the beautiful view of the Turkish city. Of course, if you go to Turkey in winter, you will have a different feeling and a wonderful atmosphere. Almost part of the area is covered with snow. The snow season in Türkiye is usually in December.

Source: filmela.com and kartini.id

Read More

A Comprehensive Guide to the Cost of Living in Southeast Asia

A Comprehensive Guide to the Cost of Living in Southeast Asia

Tahbrontak - Southeast Asia is a captivating region known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality. Whether you're considering moving to Southeast Asia or planning an extended visit, understanding the cost of living is crucial. In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in some prominent Southeast Asian countries, allowing you to make informed decisions and better plan your budget.

Thailand:

Thailand offers a range of lifestyles to suit different budgets. Here are some specific details about the cost of living in Thailand:

Accommodation: In Bangkok, the capital city, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between $400 and $800 per month. Outside the city center, prices range from $200 to $500. Smaller towns and rural areas generally offer more affordable housing options.

Food: Street food in Thailand is not only delicious but also inexpensive. You can enjoy a meal from a local street food stall for as low as $2 to $5. Dining in mid-range restaurants may cost around $10 to $20 per person.

Transportation: Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is affordable in Thailand. Taxis and rideshare services like Grab are also reasonably priced. However, owning a car may come with higher expenses due to fuel, parking, and insurance costs.

Other expenses: Utilities for a small apartment, including electricity, water, and internet, typically range from $40 to $70 per month. Healthcare costs are relatively affordable compared to many other countries, but it's advisable to have health insurance for any unforeseen medical expenses.

Vietnam:

Vietnam is known for its captivating landscapes and bustling cities. Here are some detailed insights into the cost of living in Vietnam:

Accommodation: In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $400 to $1,000 per month. Outside the city center, prices may range from $200 to $600. Smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options.

Food: Vietnam's street food is renowned worldwide for its affordability and flavors. You can savor a meal from a local eatery or street food stall for around $1 to $3. Dining at mid-range restaurants may cost between $5 and $10 per person.

Transportation: Public transportation options like buses and trains are relatively inexpensive in Vietnam. Motorbike taxis (xe om) and rideshare services like Grab are popular and affordable for shorter distances.

Other expenses: Monthly utilities for a small apartment, including electricity, water, and internet, generally range from $30 to $60. Healthcare costs are relatively affordable, but it's recommended to have health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Malaysia:

Malaysia offers a harmonious blend of modernity and diverse cultural experiences. Here's a closer look at the cost of living in Malaysia:

Accommodation: In Kuala Lumpur, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500 to $1,000 per month. Outside the city center, prices may range from $300 to $700. Smaller towns and suburban areas generally have more affordable housing options.

Food: Malaysia's food scene reflects its multicultural society. Eating at local hawker stalls or small restaurants can cost between $2 and $5 per meal. Dining at mid-range restaurants may range from $10 to $20 per person.

Transportation: Public transportation, including buses and trains, is affordable in Malaysia. Taxis and rideshare services are available at reasonable rates, particularly in urban areas.

Other expenses: Monthly utilities for a small apartment, including electricity, water, and internet, typically range from $50 to $100. Healthcare costs in Malaysia are relatively lower compared to many other countries, but it's advisable to have health insurance for comprehensive coverage.

Indonesia:

Indonesia's vast archipelago is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here's a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Indonesia:

Accommodation: In Jakarta, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $300 to $800 per month. Outside the city center, prices may vary between $200 and $500. Smaller towns and rural areas generally offer more affordable housing options.

Food: Indonesia's cuisine is diverse and affordable. Enjoying a meal at local warungs (small eateries) or street food stalls can cost around $1 to $3. Dining at mid-range restaurants may range from $5 to $10 per person.

Transportation: Public transportation options, such as buses and trains, are relatively inexpensive in Indonesia. Motorbike taxis (ojek) and rideshare services like Gojek or Grab are popular and affordable for shorter distances.

Other expenses: Monthly utilities for a small apartment, including electricity, water, and internet, typically range from $30 to $70. Healthcare costs are generally lower compared to many other countries, but it's advisable to have health insurance for comprehensive coverage.

The cost of living in Southeast Asia varies across countries and even within different regions of each country. While Thailand offers a range of options from budget to luxury, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia provide affordable living choices with variations based on urban or rural areas. Understanding the specific cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses in each country will enable you to plan your budget more effectively and make the most of your time in this vibrant region.

Read More