Tabuik

Tabuiks being lowered in to the sea in Pariaman, Indonesia

Tabuik is the local manifestation of the Remembrance of Muharram among the Minangkabau people in the coastal regions of West Sumatra, Indonesia, particularly in the city of Pariaman. The festival includes reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and the playing of tassa and dhol drums. Tabuik is also the term used to refer to the high funeral biers carried around during remembrance procession. Although originally a Shi'a festival, nowadays most inhabitants of Pariaman and other area's where similar Tabuik-festivals are held by all Muslims and even non-Muslims. The remembrance is referred to as Tabut or Tabot in Indonesian. Tabut is the name given in the Quran for The Ark of the Covenant.

Tabuik is made from bamboo, rattan and paper. During the week of Tabuik many activities are held including kite races, traditional plays such as Tari Piring and traditional plays. The remembrance draws a large crowd including dignitaries such as the provincial governor, to see Tabuik in the morning before it is slowly taken to the beach. At noon, before it is thrown into the sea, there is a lot of activity with Tabuik. After they are thrown into the sea many people go swimming looking for 'memories' of the Tabuik to keep.

A tabuik monument in the center of Pariaman

The practice of throwing a tabuik into the sea has taken place every year in Pariaman on the 10th of Muharram since 1831. The practice was introduced to the region by Shi'ite Muslim sepoy troops from India who were stationed and later settled there during the British Raj.

See also

• Culture of Indonesia
• Islam in Indonesia
• Shi'a Islam in Indonesia
• Hosay
• Tabot

External links

• Photos of Tabuik Festival
• Tabuik Festival: Sumatra, Indonesia
• Tabuik: www.West-Sumatra.com - Land of Paradise
• Islamic New Year in West Sumatra