Jepara city, Central Java, was not only famous for its art of carving and furniture. Jepara also has a peculiar ritual tradition. Just look, Tegalsambi Village, District Annual, which has a total area of 153 hectares. Residents south of the small village of Jepara, it is often held ritual named Torch War - at war with baked banana stem. The ritual is believed to be a form of "charity of the earth" or expressions of gratitude of local residents to Almighty God blessing overflow sustenance crops and safety. This ceremony held once a year in the night of Pon Tuesday in month of Dzulhijah.

The society in tegal sambi very enthusiastic waiting this ceremony every years. Torch war made from three roll mid-rit banana and filled with dry leaves of banana. The prepared torches are burnt together in order to be used as attacker. The bumped torches make a big red hot, eventually people call it Torch War.

The ritual is more like a game of a self-defense. The ritual ends when one participant lived alone, or no longer have to be faced opponents. However, the winner will not get a certain prize except pride and reputation themselves.


If the ritual is finished now dwell time to heal burns due to a number of participants affected by a bolt of fire. However, they do not need to worry. The village chief has prepared a special potion that has made. With a little spread, their wounds are lost without a trace. According to some residents from year to year the ritual torch war always go smoothly. In fact, difficult to find a number of participants who seriously injured, let alone rushed to the hospital.

The story began in 16th century. In that era there was a rich farmer who have a lot cattle named “Mbah Kyai Babadan” and his shepherd named “Ki Gemblong. The story said that Ki Gemblong was very diligent in looking after those animals. He bathed them in a river every morning and evening, consequently the cattle grew healthy and fat. Kyai Babadan felt so happy and flattered Ki Gemblong for his diligence and obedience in tacking after the cattle.

One day, Ki Gemblong was looking after cattle in a river side of Kembangan when he saw many fish and shrimps in the river. Without waiting any longer, he caught the fish and shrimps, cooked and ate them in stable.


After that Ki Gemblong caught the fish and shrimps almost everyday. As the result, the buffaloes and cows become weak and sick even death. This condition made Kyai babadan confused. He tried to heal his cattle by magic formulas but it didn’t work.
Kyai Babadan was so angry. Finding Ki Gemblong cooked the fish, Kyai Babadan hit Ki Gemblong with a torch made by coconut palm. Ki Gemblong also took the some torch to face Kyai Babadan.

The torch war finally began. The fire from the torch spread everywhere and burnt up stubble next to the stable. The fire made the buffaloes and cows run away and unexpectedly the sick animals healed even where able to stand upright and ate in the field.