Yadnya Kasada 2024 in Java

The Yadnya Kasada is the main festival of the Tenggerese people, which usually lasts in June, July or August. On the fourteenth day of the holiday, the Tenggerese people go to Mount Bromo to make offerings to the Gods to thank them for the good harvest. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, rice, money, chicken, and livestock are thrown into the volcano's caldera. Locals believe that this ritual will give them blessings and protection from their gods and ancestors.

Also, a unique tradition of this area is that young men jump from the edge of the crater to retrieve the offerings that fall into it, proving their courage and respect for the gods.

Tenggerese are descendants of princes of the 13th century Majapahit Kingdom, still living in the highlands of Mt. Bromo. Unlike the majority of Javanese, they worship Hindu Gods—their main God is Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, along with the Trimurti gods, Siwa, Brahma and Visnu.

Yadnya Kasada Legend

The origin of this ritual is a legend of a princess named Roro Anteng and her husband Joko Seger who had no children and asked gods for assistance atop Mount Bromo. The gods promised them 24 children, but the 25th must be thrown into the volcano as a sacrifice. The tradition of offerings continues until today, although human sacrifices are no longer being practised.