Tabuik

This article is about a special ceremony in Indonesia. For another ceremony named Tabut, see Tabut Gardani (Coffin-carrying).

Tabuik

Ritual information
Time	First Ten Days of Muharram
Place	Minangkabau, Indonesia
Symbolic Objects	Carrying the symbolic coffins called Tabuik while playing Tanbur, drums and Dhol music

Tabuik or Tabut is a manifestation of the remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a) in Muharram, which is held in Minangkabau in West Sumatra Indonesia. Tabuik is held in the first ten days of Muharram every year. People carry Tabut (coffin) to the beach in a procession, and it is finally thrown into the sea. The ceremony is not held by only Shiites, but also a large number of Sunni Muslims attend it as well.

Background

The practice was introduced to the region by Shi'ite Muslim troops from India who stationed and later settled during the British Raj.

Event

In the event of Tabuik, symbolic coffins are prepared, carried to the beach and then thrown into the sea. The coffin is called Tabuik with 10 meters in height made from bamboo, rattan, and paper. Sometimes it is made from hardwood, cotton, colorful paper and even gold. In the front part of the coffin, there is a symbol of Buraq (a heavenly creature similar to horse).

Local people believe Imam al-Husayn (a) and Imam al-Hasan (a) were both martyred in the Battle of Karbala. They believe the souls of both Imams were carried to heaven bay Buraq. People carry coffins while playing Tanbur, drums and Dhol music. In the afternoon, both coffins are carried to the beach and thrown into the sea before sunset. In the morning, Tabuik, Daraga, Panja and the turban of Imam al-Husayn (a) are carried in the streets by ten thousand people of Pariaman. People walk slowly as they carry coffins; they weep, sob and sometimes shout, "Huyak Tabuik … Huyak Ya Husayn". The ceremony ends in the sunset when coffins are thrown into the sea, which symbolizes the soul of Imam al-Husayn (a) being taken to heaven. When the coffins drown in the sea, people carry the materials they brought and used in the ceremony and return to their homes.

Currently, the coffins made for the ceremony cost 1500 U.S. dollars. It is a traditional and cultural ceremony in Minangkabau. If people cannot attend the ceremony, they would send gifts and provide financial support for the ceremony.

References

• The material for writing this article is mainly taken from مراسم تابوت in Farsi WikiShia.