Apart from the water, which is a favorite during the fasting month, coconut leaves are also much sought after, especially before Eid al-Fitr, to be made into ketupat. But did you know that in the middle of Ramadan, there is a tradition of making ketupat? This tradition is also known as the Qunutan or Kupatan tradition.
Qunutan is usually done on the 15th day of Ramadan. The cooked ketupat is then brought to the mosque before maghrib time, and then distributed to the congregation or neighbors.
The Qunutan tradition has been going on for a long time and has been passed down until now, and can usually be found in the Java region. No one knows exactly when this tradition began. Quoted from Antara, some say that Qunutan has been going on since the days of the Demak Sultanate when it expanded its influence to the west in 1524 as well as the Cirebon Sultanate and Banten Sultanate.
The Qunutan tradition also involves reciting the qunut prayer during tarawih prayers, which is believed to ward off misfortune. By reading the prayer, it is hoped that Muslims will remain strong in undergoing fasting. Qunutan also marks the entry of the night of Lailatul Qadar.
More than just a culinary tradition, Qunutan is also a form of gratitude for Muslims because they have successfully passed half of Ramadan and the other half is waiting to be passed with meaning. Apart from being a form of gratitude, the Qunutan tradition is also a moment to stay in touch and share with local residents.
