Blitar Local Customs

Muslims are not cremated and usually buried lying on the right side, with the face toward Mecca. Mecca is the capital of Saudi Arabia and considered a holy city in the desert. There is the Grand Mosque and a pilgrimage is a must to become "hajj" (5th pillar of the Islam).

Islam is a religion which explains about death in full detail. So it includes what is happening, and how to do when a Muslim died,... before, during and after the death.

All presents will sprinkle a handfull of earth in the grave with 3 prayers. It is not allowed to sit down during the ceremony and when leaving the grave people will walk down the same path where the body has been carried to the grave.

A tomb like the Makam Bung Karno Mausoleum at Blitar is worth a while to pay a visit and, when speaking a bit Bahasa, ask for information. People love to tell more about their costumes and traditions here ...