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Semarang is the capital of Central Java in Indonesia. This picturesque city derives
its name the Javanese words "asem" and "arang" which literary translate to "scarce
tamarind." This capital city of Indonesia attracts a large number of visitors
throughout the year and especially during the festivals. Dugderan Festival
is one of the popular festivals in Semarang.
Dugderan Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show every year. It is
unique to Semarang. Dugderan Festival is organized during the week before the
commencement of Ramadan, the month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to
sunset. The Muslims sound the big drum and have a fireworks display. These announce
the official onset of the Ramadan, the fasting month. But nowadays restrictions
have been put on fire works. The devotees generally wait outside the mosque
for the official announcement of Ramadan. Vendors put on stalls on the eve of
Dugderan Festival in Johar and also near Kauman, the great mosque. You will
get a variety of items in these stalls during Dugderan Festival. Different kinds
of items made of clay, toys for children and various other commodities hat make
he place very colorful. You also get scrumptious and mouth watering Indonesian
delicacies in this Dugderan Festival.
The Warak Ngendok is a very popular and typical toy of Dugderan Festival. Warak
Ngendok means egg-laying bird. This bird is generally placed on a wooden base
with four wheels. Children pull it along on a long rope. This bird has two wings
and four legs and is made of cork, cardboard and brightly colored paper. Dugderan
Festival attracts lot of visitors. Many people pay a visit to the festival and
buy something before Ramadan starts. The curtain for the Dugderan Festival is
put down with loud bangs on the big drum. This announces the commencement of
Ramadan.
Dugderan Festival is a very colorful and vibrant festival. Local people and
children take active participation in this festival. It is worth visiting Semarang
during this time. You will really enjoy it.
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