Mystical Gamelan and Dance Mark Sedudo Cleansing Ritual

Jakarta – The Sedudo Waterfall on the slopes of Mount Wilis, located in Ngliman Village, Sawahan District, Nganjuk, drew large crowds on Sunday (June 28, 2026) as visitors gathered to take part in the annual Siraman Sedudo ritual.

The tradition, passed down through generations, is held during the Javanese month of Suro, which coincides with Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The sacred ceremony was attended by Nganjuk Regent Marhaen Djumadi, Deputy Regent Trihandy Cahyo Saputro, regional officials, members of the local leadership forum, and tourists from various cities.

The ritual series began at around 9 a.m. local time with a customary procession led by traditional elders, accompanied by the resonant sounds of Javanese gamelan music.

A deeply spiritual atmosphere emerged during the performance of the Bedhayan Amek Tirta dance, presented by 10 young female dancers. The dance symbolizes gratitude to God Almighty before participants enter the water.

Accompanied by ten young men, the dancers proceeded to collect water from Sedudo using small earthen pitchers, which were later placed into a designated ceremonial container.

Following the water collection, Regent Marhaen and other officials—dressed in traditional Javanese attire—took part in the ritual bathing beneath the cascading waters of Sedudo Waterfall.

Marhaen emphasized that Siraman Sedudo is more than a cultural event, describing it as a moment of spiritual cleansing and collective prayer for blessings.

“All blessings come by the will of God. This tradition is both an effort and a prayer. Some seek a soulmate, others hope for children, health, or longevity, but ultimately everything is entrusted to Allah,” he said.

He explained that the ritual bathing requires participants to wet their entire body without using soap or shampoo, as a form of respect for preserving the purity of the Sedudo water source.

Head of the Nganjuk Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Office, Gunawan Widagdo, added that Siraman Sedudo remains a well-preserved cultural heritage.

“It carries historical and spiritual values, while also serving as a key attraction for regional tourism,” he said.

Sedudo Waterfall originates from nine natural springs on Mount Wilis that merge into a single stream. These include Banyu Iber, Banyu Lawe, Banyu Cagak, Singokromo, Sadepok, Sumber Selanjar, Srigunting, Sumber Kanoman, and Sedudo itself.

“The philosophy of these nine converging springs represents justice, unity, and balance in community life,” Gunawan explained.

Sugiyanto, 50, a visitor from Kediri who attended with his family, said he was impressed by the ritual.

“The atmosphere is deeply sacred and captivating. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Sedudo while seeking blessings during the month of Suro,” he said.

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