From Grief to Culture: Cai Diraga Festival as a Symbol of Ciledug’s Revival

Leuweunggajah Village has a strong history, cultural heritage, and community ties. The village, located at the heart of Ciledug, plays a key role in preserving local traditions. One of the most remarkable cultural events is the Cai Diraga Festival. This celebration stems from the trauma of the terrible floods that hit Ciledug Sub-district, especially Leuweunggajah village in 2018. Initially, the community held the festival to recover from the tragedy. It has become a vibrant festival that supports local culture and the village economy through UMKM and food bazaars.

A devastating flood hit Ciledug in 2018, causing severe physical damage and emotional trauma. It destroyed homes, livelihoods, and pets, leaving many struggling to recover. The people of Ciledug, however, refused to drown too long in the sadness of this tragedy. Instead, they tried to turn their grief into something meaningful, and thus, the Cai Diraga Festival was born. The people of Ciledug hold the Cai Diraga Festival annually by God’s grace, symbolizing water in the body, in a jug, or the water of life.

The event not only commemorates the flood disaster in Ciledug but also preserves local culture and strengthens community bonds. Through various arts, UMKM exhibitions, and culinary markets, the festival boosts the village economy and elevates local culture. Traditional arts from surrounding villages opened the festival with a lively cultural procession. The cavalcade is an attraction for visitors from outside and within the region.

From August 30 to September 1, 2024, the people of Ciledug held the Cai Diraga Festival with great enthusiasm. They held various activities, such as the Cai Diraga parade, nyiru painting contests, content creator competitions, and cultural performances highlighting local talent. In addition, there were blood donor activities, UMKM exhibitions, culinary bazaars, job fairs, focus group discussions, and even mass gymnastics. The festival’s highlight was held on the last night of the event. On the night of September 1, dancers performed the Cai Diraga, accompanied by religious leaders. This symbolic ritual united water from seven sacred wells as the festival’s highlight. Later in the afternoon, they carry and release the sacred water into the Cisanggarung River, located in Jatiseeng Kidul Village, Ciledug District, Cirebon Regency.