Khanduri Laot Festival 2018: A Unique Tradition of Sabang in Aceh

In order to preserve an age old tradition which has been passed down for generations, the city of Sabang in Aceh Province, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, will hold the Khandori Laot Festival 2018 from 27th April 1st May 2018 at The Terminal CT3 of Sabang Harbor.

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The festival highlights the custom and tradition of Aceh’s coastal communities that are still practiced to this very day and to introduced them as a unique attraction for tourists from all across the globe.

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Khandori is an Aceh term that can be translated as a celebration or feast, while Laot means the sea. Thus, Khandori Laot itself is an expression of gratitude towards God Almighty from the fishermen communities for all the fishes that the sea has given to them. The festival will feature a number of unique attractions including the tradition of fishermen heading to the sea, decorating traditional boats, rowing competition, traditional fishing competition, coastal art and cultural performances, cultural dialogues and seminars, zikir akbar or mass prayer, creative products exhibition, and many more.

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There is no specific time or period of when Khandori Laot will take place, since it depends on an agreement among the fishermen. Traditionally, when the fishermen have enough to throw for the feast, they would settle on a date and make preparations for the tradition. During Khandori laot, fishermen are forbidden to set out to sea for a full 3 days. Initially, Khandori Laot involved a ritual of throwing a head of a bull to the sea but it was abandoned as it had been deemed inappropriate according to the teachings of Islam, the majority religion in the northernmost province in Indonesia.

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The Mayor of Sabang, Nazaruddin, or familiarly known as Teungku Agam, said that after the Khanduri Laot Festival, Sabang would also staged a number of exciting events including Sabang Marine Festival, featuring yachts from various countries, and a coffee festival to further introduce Aceh’s legendary coffee to the world.

So, if you are ready to experience a truly unique traditional festival, this festival is definitely one that you cannot afford to miss!

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