cirebon cultural tourism 
Tawurji is one of the traditions in Cirebon, People flock to the Kanoman Palace area in Cirebon to follow the tawurji tradition. Sultan Raja Muhammad Emirudin, the Sultan of Kanoman Palace, led his family in carrying out this activity. Most people in Cirebon now carry out this tradition to express their gratitude, just as the Kanoman Big Family does.
Tawurji has another name, surakan, which is one of the traditions in Cirebon. People usually use coins worth RP.500 and RP.1.000 during this tradition. You can distribute coins, as well as use candy or other small foods. Someone will be sowing the money and food or ‘Tawur’ in the crowd of people who are waiting for surakan.
History of Tawurji Tradition
Tawurji is an annual tradition, Raja Muhammad Qodiran, Prince of Patih Kanoman, made the statement. The implementation of this tradition is every last Wednesday or Rebo Wekasan. The Palace family routinely carry out this annual tradition according to Sunan Gunung Jati’s mandate to help the poor, as stated, “I leave the mosque and attend to the needs of the poor. “I leave the mosque and the poor.”
Tawurji begins from Sunan Gunung Jati through his act of giving a number of coins to one of Sheikh Lemahabang’s students who deviating from Islam in the 15th century. He felt sorry for him at that time and gave him provisions to help him survive since he was stranded and had failed to learn religious knowledge.
Tawurji is held to pray for those who are able as a sign of alms. When the Kanoman Palace family wants to carry out this tradition, they will openly invite local residents to distribute small change. Tawurji takes place not only in Kanoman Palace, but also in Kecirebonan Palace. A number of residents around the Kecirebonan Palace gathered in the courtyard of the palace on Rebo Wekasan. Together they hold Tawurji, with the aim of sharing, giving alms, and praying together.
Meanwhile, in Kasepuhan Palace do not show the tradition to the public. Giving alms during prayer events. Collecting the small change is in a bokor. Bokor is a kind of container to hold money, which it is for joint public purposes.
Written by Arum Anjani
