Greetings friends in the Hive community, introduce me 
On this occasion I would like to share a story about the excitement of the kentongan festival. Kentongan is a traditional musical instrument typical of Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia. In ancient times, the kentongan was used as a marker of events, such as when there was a house fire, natural disaster, and so on. Since around 1970 the kentongan has been used by the people of Banyumas as a musical instrument. Over time, the kentongan game has developed into a musical group performance that continues to be adapted to the times. So that it can continue to be enjoyed by all ages.
On Friday, 24 February 2023, residents in Banyumas Regency came to fill the town square of Purwokerto to witness the kentongan festival. The festival was held in commemoration of the 542nd anniversary of Banyumas Regency. According to the Regent of Banyumas, Achmad Husein, at the opening of the festival, he stated that, this kentongan art event was held as an effort to advance traditional musical instruments and promote Banyumas culture.
Actually, the kentongan festival is held once a year and usually coincides with activities commemorating the birthday of Banyumas Regency. However, during the Covid 19 pandemic it was abolished because it brought large crowds of people. The festival was packed with visitors who wanted to watch kentongan performances while having free recreation. The kentongan festival was attended by 31 groups of kentongan who were representatives from each sub-district in Banyumas district.
This festival starts from Purwokerto Town Square and ends at the Srimaya intersection or about 1.8 kilometers across Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Even though the event started at 20.00 WIB, residents and traders had packed both sides of the road since 19.00. The enthusiasm of the residents to witness is extraordinary, because during a pandemic activities that bring large crowds of people are prohibited. Visitors are not only Banyumas residents, but many also come from other regions.
I and other visitors were amazed to see the show, many attractions were also displayed, so it wasn't just playing the kentongan. The rhythmic strains of the sound of kentongan resounded to enliven the atmosphere, the audience's applause and cheers were occasionally heard, adding to the festive atmosphere of the night. While enjoying the melodious strains of the kentongan sounds, I took the time to document the show to be presented in this community with the hope that it can entertain my friends. Here are some photos that I captured.
That's my story at this time, hopefully it can entertain friends wherever they are, thank you for the advice and support from all friends, greetings from me
| 📷 image | information |
|---|---|
| Camera Used | Redmi 6A |
| Photografer | |
| Location | Central Java Indonesia |