Herdy J. Prawiradipura — 26 August 2026
The Seren Tahun customary ceremony in Cibarani Village (Kasepuhan Cibarani) is held once a year after the agricultural harvest. This year it took place on 26–30 August 2026. As usual, the timing does not follow a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar, but the Sundanese customary calendar based on the completion of the rice harvest. The exact dates are deliberated and set by the customary leader (kuncen) and local community figures after the harvest season ends.
Seren Tahun in Cibarani Village is one of the most sacred and festive agrarian traditions continually preserved by the Sundanese indigenous community. This inherited tradition is more than a celebration — it is deep gratitude to the Creator for the earth’s yield, soil fertility, and safety throughout one Sundanese calendar year. “Seren” means to hand over or entrust, while “tahun” refers to the agricultural year cycle. Philosophically, the ritual means entrusting the harvested rice stored in the communal granary (leuit) for the next agricultural year.
A Meaningful Sequence of Customary Processions
Seren Tahun in Cibarani involves sacred rituals led by the local customary leader or kuncen. Each stage carries symbolism tied to the harmonious relationship between people, nature, and the Creator.
Ngarak Nyi Pohaci: A cultural procession carrying rice seed and harvest yields in traditional containers, accompanied by lesung (rengkong) music and ancestral buhun arts.
Ngukus and Shared Prayer: Burning fragrant incense as a mark of respect for the ancestors, followed by shared prayer seeking blessing and protection.
Nutu Pare (First Rice Pounding): A symbol of processing the first harvest together, using wooden pestle and mortar in mutual cooperation.
Through Seren Tahun, Cibarani keeps ancestral heritage alive — affirming that Sundanese agrarian identity remains a living force for community cohesion and gratitude after every harvest.
