Festivals Celebrating Nature: Community and Conservation

Have you ever realized that some festivals are not only about culture and celebration, but also about conserving nature?

In Indonesia, this can be seen beautifully in traditions such as Hari Raya Nyepi in Bali as well as Hari Raya Idulfitri which is celebrated by Muslims nationwide.

Nyepi, known as the Balinese Day of Silence, is more than just a religious ritual. It is a day when human activities pause and the environment is given the time to breathe. For twenty-four hours, no cars and motorcycles are on the road, no lights are wasted, and no pollution is created. This deeply ingrained Hindu tradition allows Balinese people to restore harmony not only between people and Gods, but also to nature.

On the other hand, Idulfitri is not directly about nature, but it still connects to it through the traditional food that comes from natural harvests, such as ketupat and opor, which is made from rice, chicken, and coconut milk—ingredients that come from farming and nature. This shows that even Idulfitri, though focused on faith and togetherness, is still connected to the environment.

Other Indonesian festivals also connect culture with conservation. The Ubud Beyond Festival promotes eco-friendly crafts and sustainable practices. Meanwhile, the Bamboo (Ogoh Ogoh) Festival uses renewable bamboo to create traditional statues, showing respect for nature. These festivals inspire protecting both culture and the environment for future generations.

In the end, Indonesian festivals prove that culture, community, and the environment can grow together. The real question is: will future generations—our children and grandchildren—still get the chance to see the same beauty, traditions, and nature that we celebrate today?