On 22 September, Purung Ta Liang Marapu has officially began at the Deri Kambajawa Traditional Village. Five villages, Umbu Mamijuk, Umbu Kawolung, Umbu Pabal, Umbu Langang, and Umbu Pabal Selatan, will also observe the spiritual period.
Members of the traditional communities are expected to observe the taboos and restrictions surrounding the sacred ritual of Purung Ta Liang Marapu until October. The end of the ritual will be marked with a celebratory event in October.
“Maringi, cosmological balance”
Purung Ta Liang Marapu ritual aims to maintain maringi, or cosmological balance, between humans and the divine world, secure blessings and reinforce solidarity within the community.
In the broader Sumbanese mythology, the supreme creator (called by the names Anatala, Hupu Ina, or Hupu Ama) sits high in the heavens and is considered too distant for direct human communication. Through the ritual of Purung Ta Liang Marapu, Sumbanese believe to communicate with the supreme deity using Marapu, ancestral spirits, as essential intermediaries
“Pilgrimage to the sacred cave”
As part of the ritual, clan leaders and community members descend (purung) to the sacred cave (liang) to present offerings and prayers. During this pilgrimage to the sacred cave, priests (rato) conduct rites to receive spiritual signs regarding good and bad omens for the upcoming year. The core petitions submitted to Marapu focus on four fundamental pillars of community wellbeing: agriculture, livestock, human well-being, and the safety of the community.
“Purung Ta Liang Marapu reinforces social unity”
Beyond the theological purpose, Purung Ta Liang Marapu also reinforces social unity and communal ties. The multi-day preparation and execution require shared labor, uniting the five participating clans (Kabisu) and serving as an educational bridge to pass sacred oral traditions down to younger generations.
Construction and loud noises are taboo during Purung Ta Liang Marapu
Certain activities are taboo during Purung Ta Liang Marapu. Participants are asked to avoid large gatherings, making loud noises or parties. According to Marapu spirituality, such disturbances during sacred periods disrupt the cosmic balance.
Besides noises, construction, renovation and any activity that involves building a structure are strictly taboo. At the time of Purung Ta Liang Marapu, locals avoid holding funeral ceremonies involving large gatherings and tomb-building.