Mass circumcision ritual of the Jahut community
- 7 years ago
The Jahut community in Pahang celebrate an event known as "Kerjak-Mengerjak", a two-day event full of rituals that brings together the villagers of Kampung Paya Mengkuang.
The highlight of the ritual is a rare mass circumcision involving boys aged 10 to 13, marking their first steps into adulthood.
The boys are dressed and treated like royals, with makeup and in complete traditional attire; Baju Melayu with Tanjak (traditional Malay headgear), ornamental sash draped over the shoulders and the keris or dagger tucked behind the waist.
They are required to partake in various rituals, such as making sacrificial offerings of chickens before the circumcision, now a rare event in a poor community due to rising costs.
Each family who chose to be part of the biggest ceremony in the Jahut community have to pay around RM1,600, to cover various ritual’s expenses such as making sacrificial offerings of chickens, ritual dances where a non-stop music with traditional percussion instruments played throughout the night.
There is also the cost of transportation to bring the boys to their ancestors’ graves to pay their respects. Some graves are located 50km away from the village, which is located in Temerloh, Pahang. The village houses around 102 families, with more than 500 people living there.
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The highlight of the ritual is a rare mass circumcision involving boys aged 10 to 13, marking their first steps into adulthood.
The boys are dressed and treated like royals, with makeup and in complete traditional attire; Baju Melayu with Tanjak (traditional Malay headgear), ornamental sash draped over the shoulders and the keris or dagger tucked behind the waist.
They are required to partake in various rituals, such as making sacrificial offerings of chickens before the circumcision, now a rare event in a poor community due to rising costs.
Each family who chose to be part of the biggest ceremony in the Jahut community have to pay around RM1,600, to cover various ritual’s expenses such as making sacrificial offerings of chickens, ritual dances where a non-stop music with traditional percussion instruments played throughout the night.
There is also the cost of transportation to bring the boys to their ancestors’ graves to pay their respects. Some graves are located 50km away from the village, which is located in Temerloh, Pahang. The village houses around 102 families, with more than 500 people living there.
More: bit.ly/2sA48JI
Website: www.themalaysianinsight.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themalaysianinsight/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/msianinsight/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/msianinsight/