RRI.CO.ID, Trenggalek - The Trenggalek community in East Java gathered for the Nyadran Dam Bagong, on Thursday, 8 May 2026, a centuries-old tradition that harmonizes spiritual gratitude with agricultural necessity. The event, highlighted by the symbolic Kirab Kerbau (Buffalo Procession), serves as a reminder of the region's unique heritage and its deep-rooted connection to the land and water.

At the center of the festivities was the arrival of the ceremonial buffalo at the Pendopo Manggala Praja Nugraha. Deputy Regent Syah Mohamad Natanegara, receiving the procession, emphasized that the event is more than just a ritual, it is a vital pillar of local identity.

“The hope is to continue preserving culture while simultaneously stimulating the economy for the surrounding community,” Syah remarked, as quoted by Antara.

The Nyadran Dam Bagong is an annual tribute to Menak Sopal, the legendary local hero who, according to folklore, sacrificed a buffalo to ensure the success of the irrigation dam that still feeds the region’s rice fields today. For the farmers of Trenggalek, the ritual is a form of gratitude for the continuous flow of the Bagongan River.

The highlights of the cultural calendar for this event begin with the sacred procession, where a buffalo is paraded from the regency pavilion to the historic Makam Menak Sopal, followed by a jamasan, purification ritual. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms for shadow puppetry, as the air fills with the rhythmic sounds of the gamelan during a traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance.

The event finally reaches its peak the following day with the symbolic offering, a dramatic reenactment of the ancestral sacrifice featuring the throwing of the buffalo's head and limbs into the dam to secure the village's continued prosperity.

Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a moment of social cohesion. Once the rituals are complete, the buffalo meat is distributed among the villagers. This act of sharing is a cornerstone of the tradition, ensuring that the blessings of the harvest are felt in every household.

Village Head of Ngantru, Bambang Wusprapto noted the importance of maintaining the ritual's authenticity. “The hope is that this tradition remains preserved without losing the sequence of customs passed down through generations," he said.

As Trenggalek looks toward the future, the Nyadran Dam Bagong stands as a testament to the power of cultural preservation, proving that even in a modern era, the ancient stories of Menak Sopal continue to irrigate the soul of the community. ***