Thousands of people throw poultry into volcano as sacrifice

Indonesia Thousands of Hindu devotees climbed the active volcano Mount Bromo to throw chickens, vegetables and money down in a sacrificial ritual.

A group of worshippers gathered around Mount Bromo on June 5, bringing vegetables, chickens, goats and other offerings to participate in the centuries-old Yadnya Kasada sacrifice ritual. Every year, members of the Tengger tribe go to Mount Bromo to perform the sacrifice in the hope of pleasing the gods and receiving blessings.

Thousands of believers go to the volcano to make sacrifices — Members of the Tengger tribe carry offerings to participate in a sacrificial ceremony at Mount Bromo on June 5. Video: *AFP*

"We have many cows back home and this one might be considered redundant, so we brought it here to return it to the Saint. This is also an act of gratitude to him for giving us prosperity," said Slamet, a 40-year-old farmer who carried the calf to the volcano to perform the ritual.

However, Slamet's calf was not thrown into the volcano but was caught by a local villager after Slamet finished praying.

Members of the Tengger tribe carry goats to a sacrificial ceremony at Mount Bromo on June 5. Photo: AFP — Members of the Tengger tribe carry goats to a sacrificial ceremony at Mount Bromo on June 5. Photo: *AFP*

Some non-Tengger villagers bring rackets and nets to the slopes of Mount Bromo crater to catch the thrown objects, to avoid waste.

Rohim, who threw potatoes, garlic and money into Mount Bromo, said he felt luckier after performing the ritual.

"My business is better so I came here to give thanks. I hope my business will be more and more favorable," said the 32-year-old man.

A man carries offerings to Mount Bromo on June 5. Photo: AFP — A man carries offerings to Mount Bromo on June 5. Photo: *AFP*

This is the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that local authorities have allowed tourists to watch the sacrifice ceremony at Mount Bromo. During the pandemic, only worshippers were allowed to enter the area.

The Yadnya Kasada festival originated in the 15th century and is based on the story of Princess Roro Anteng and her husband in the Majapahit kingdom. After many years of marriage, the couple were childless and prayed to the gods for help.

The gods accepted the request of Princess Roro Anteng and her husband, granting them 25 children on the condition that they sacrifice their youngest son by throwing him into the Bromo volcano. To ensure the prosperity of the Tengger tribe, the youngest son volunteered to jump into the volcano.