KALIPURO – The atmosphere of the spring at Watudodol Beach, Ketapang Village, Kalipuro District, which was usually quiet last night (11/10) suddenly crowded. Hundreds of bare-chested people gathered around
fresh water source which is only a few meters from the beach.
The people apparently were carrying out a flower bathing ritual to commemorate the night 10 Suro fell on that day. They believe that bathing in the water source can repel evil spirits and purify the soul and body. The sight was interesting because even though it was already past midnight, people are actually increasingly fighting over the water.
Shouts of takbir "Allahu Akbar..Allahu Akbar" can be heard booming as water is poured from the hose. The water immediately wet the bare-chested bodies of the residents. Even, Some who couldn't wait were seen lowering their hands to reach directly for the spring which was surrounded by piles of sacks filled with sand.
Yulianto, one of the residents who took a shower at that place said, They do this ritual of bathing at Watudodol beach almost every year, right on time 00.00 night 10 Cork. Not only from Banyuwangi, some residents from outside the district such as Cilacap, Surabaya, Tangerang, Jakarta, and Bali, also took part in the flower bath.
They all believe that this spring called "nutfah" has special properties. "Those of us who come here believe that this spring is a place to reminisce for the saints. So there are special benefits, especially for cleaning yourself. Previously we also did istighotsah,said the white man.
Al-Hikam Islamic Boarding School caretaker, Mas Syaifulloh Ali Bagiono, said the ritual was carried out to commemorate the Islamic New Year. He added, according to ancient scriptures, In the month of Suro, it is very necessary to hold Ruwatan Nusantara as was done at that time.
According to Bagiono, This ritual is a self-reflection of what was done throughout the past year, and repent for spiritual mistakes, and the body becomes pure again. “The month of Suro or Muharram is a good month and bathing is on the date 10 this has many benefits,said the man who is familiarly called Abah. (radar)
