Kenduri Blang (Acehnese: *Khanduri Blang*) is a traditional thanksgiving ceremony and communal prayer held collectively by agrarian Acehnese communities before starting the rice cultivation season (*musim keumeugo*). This ancestral tradition is conducted directly in the middle of the rice fields (*blang*), attended by all village farmers, customary leaders (*Keujruen Blang*), and religious leaders (*Imum Mukim*). The ceremony aims to seek God's blessing for the crops to be free from pests, grow fertile, and yield a bountiful harvest.
The processes of Kenduri Blang begin with the cooperative cleaning of irrigation canals (*mupakat blang*). The highlight of the event features communal zikir, selawat, safety prayers, and the sacrifice of livestock (buffalo or goat) funded collectively by the farmers. The meat is cooked in large cauldrons on the field edges using Acehnese *kuah beulangong* spices and enjoyed together in a communal feast served on banana leaves.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Kenduri Blang serves a vital social function as a forum for consensus to determine the uniform planting schedule, the type of rice seeds to use, and the fair distribution of irrigation water. This tradition strengthens cooperation and brotherhood among farming communities in rural Aceh.
Location & Address: Rice farming areas of Aceh Besar, Pidie, and North Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Google Maps
References & Sources: 1. Customary Council of Aceh (MAA). (2020). *Guidelines for the Implementation of Khanduri Blang Adat in Acehnese Agrarian Society*. 2. Snouck Hurgronje, C. (1893). *De Atjehers*. Batavia: Landsdrukkerij. 3. Journal of Social-Cultural Studies and Food Security of Farming Communities, Syiah Kuala University. (2021).
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