Indonesian Culture: Christmas and New Year Celebrations at Puhsarang Kediri

TIMESINDONESIA, KEDIRI – In the heart of Kediri, East Java, lies the serene and spiritually significant Puhsarang area, home to the Catholic Church of Santa Maria Puhsarang, the Maria Lourdes Puhsarang Cave, and the Cross Road. During the festive season of Christmas and New Year, this region becomes a haven for both religious celebrations and tranquil retreats.

The Catholic Church of Santa Maria Puhsarang, established in 1936, annually hosts Christmas Mass. For the year 2023, the Christmas Mass took place on the evening of December 24th and the morning of December 25th.

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Pilgrims and tourists from outside the city flocked to participate, with some opting to stay in various accommodations in the religious tourism area of Puhsarang.

Visitors like Yosef from Sidoarjo deliberately allocated time to spend the holiday with his family in Puhsarang. The soothing and peaceful atmosphere made it an ideal destination for both attending Christmas Mass on the first and second days and savoring the overall ambiance of Puhsarang.

"Attending the Christmas Mass and taking a stroll around. The atmosphere here is serene; it's a chance to experience something new," he shared on Tuesday (26/12/2023).

The religious tourism area of Puhsarang is surrounded by lush greenery. The verdant landscape, especially around the Maria Lourdes Puhsarang Cave, provides shade, making it a comfortable space for those who come to pray.

The refreshing atmosphere, coupled with the ease of accessibility, makes Puhsarang an attractive destination.

Puhsarang is easily reachable from the Kediri city square, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes by motorized vehicles. Its accessibility has made it a preferred destination for tourists in the Kediri Raya region. Even those not seeking to pray and make pilgrimages can still appreciate the serene environment Puhsarang offers.

"Came here with my child on a motorcycle. Wanted to take a ride, have been here several times during holidays. The place is peaceful," added Yeni, a visitor from Pagu, Kediri Regency.

Beyond the religious attractions, the Semen Subdistrict also boasts other unique tourist destinations, ranging from water attractions to culinary delights.

According to Yulius Santoso, an information officer at the Puhsarang Church Information Post, there is a noticeable increase in visitors during the Christmas and New Year season. "It rises around 100 percent," he said.

While the usual daily visitors range from 100 to 150, during the holiday season, the numbers surge by more than 100 percent, reaching 200 to 300 visitors per day. This number further spikes during Christmas and New Year Masses, creating an atmosphere of spiritual celebration and community gathering.

Puhsarang in Kediri, East Java, emerges as a tranquil haven where the annual Christmas Mass at the Catholic Church of Santa Maria Puhsarang blends seamlessly with the serene atmosphere surrounding the Maria Lourdes Puhsarang Cave. This unique destination attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat amid lush greenery.

Easily accessible from Kediri city square, Puhsarang becomes a charming escape during the festive season especially Christmas and New Year. It combines spiritual significance with a calming ambiance that resonates with both the religious and those seeking a serene holiday experience.(*)

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