- Mitoni is Indonesia’s Javanese Traditional Ceremony, similar to Indian baby shower ceremony or Godh Bharai
Indonesian Consulate in Mumbai is on front foot to showcase their traditional culture which has existed from ancient times and is similar to the Indian culture. This time they have organised a “Mitoni” ceremony which was held at the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai (KJRI) at Altamount road in plush south Mumbai. The CG office was all decked up for the Mitoni ceremony,
Mitoni ceremony is a traditional ceremony for first time pregnancy at the seventh-month period of pregnancy. The purpose of this ritual is for security of the pregnant mother and the infant. In India, this ceremony is known as Baby Shower or God Bharai Rasam. Mitoni ceremony is a chain of people’s life cycle that has been performed on this day, for Javanese people.
H. E. Agus Saptono, CG of Indonesia & expectant mother draped with flowers at Mitoni Ceremony.
It was a grand ceremony and traditional music was played in the backdrop and happiness prevailed in the entire atmosphere. There are a total six rituals which were followed in a traditional way one after another. The ceremony began with sungkeman and continued with siraman, brojolan egg, replace sideways, breaking Lawe, cracking coconut and rujakan. The guests were also invited to participate interactively in the siraman session, the selection of the tasting cloth for the rujakan event.
The Mitoni ceremony was hosted and attended by His Excellency Agus Prihatin Saptono, CG of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai. The entire team of the consulate office along with their family members were present to witness the classic ceremony. Members of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan – DWP (Civil Service Wives Association) of the Indonesian Consulate General were also present on occasion. Several important invitees and leading media were also present and enjoyed the complete ceremony.
The Mitoni ceremony was performed completely in a traditional way which included wearing Javanese traditional clothes. On this occasion, the guests received an explanation about the process and meaning of the six stages contained in the Mitoni ceremony. The event was followed with the tradition of cutting the Nasi Tumpeng. The event followed with a luncheon hosted in honour of the guests. They were served with a variety of grand authentic Indonesian cuisines.
His Excellency Agus P. Saptono, CG of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai said “Mitoni is an important ceremony in Indonesia and we want to show it to the Indian people. This ceremony will definitely be liked by Indians as it is similar to Indian Baby Shower ceremony or Godh Bhrai ceremony which is full of ritual value By watching these rituals Indian people would certainly be impressed and would love to see it in person”.
Ms. Indira Irawati wife of CG (Center), Tennike Erman Consul (Extreme right) with others participants attended Mitoni rituals. (All photos Mewati Sitaram MM)
CG Agus Saptono further added “Indonesia and India have an age old relationship and we share similar cultural rituals. During the lockdown period we have organised live Ramayan Ballet and virtual Mahabhrata ballet known as “Lembayung Kuruksetra ”. The Ballet was presented live from Ardha Chandra Open Theatre, in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Both shows were well appreciated by Indian public. The Mitoni is a similar exercise to promote Indonesian culture which is similar to Indian rituals. We want that both countries should further come closer, that is the reason we promote Indonesian culture in India.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
