Sedudo Traditional Bathing Ceremony

Map of Nganjuk, East Java - Indonesia

Sedudo Waterfall is located 27 kilometers south of Nganjuk, at the foot of Mount Willis, in Ngliman, Sawahan Regency. This spot is especially popular during the month of Suro, one of the most important months in the Javanese calendar.

This bathing ritual dates back to the Majapahit Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries. According to the Sedudo Waterfall's gatekeepers and local legend, Ki Ageng Ngaliman, who introduced Islam to Nganjuk, used to come here to meditate. As an expression of gratitude, the local government and community hold a traditional ceremony every year during the month of Suro (Muharram) . According to popular belief, during the Parna Prahista ceremony, Sedudo Waterfall is used to bathe a statue, and its water is then sprinkled on family members to grant eternal youth and protection.

The traditional ceremony of collecting the holy water from Sedudo begins with the arrival of five holy women, dressed in traditional Javanese attire. Holding klenting (traditional water containers), they slowly walk towards the pool at the foot of the Sedudo waterfall. They are followed by ten long-haired women, the daughters of Tirtosari . Five young boys, called Jejaka Tarun , also dressed in traditional Javanese attire, wait for them at the foot of the waterfall. The procession is accompanied by the jidor (traditional drum) and the singing of Sekar Migil . After the daughters of Tirtosari present the klenting, the young boys take water from the sacred waterfall, which they then present as offerings.

The procession is led by the Nganjuk village head, accompanied by residents and guests from across Java. The procession concludes with everyone bathing together in the pool beneath the Sedudo waterfall.

For further information, please contact:
You can contact the East Java Tourism Office at +62 31 853 1814/853 1815.