The Tabut Festival is deeply rooted in the traditions of the coastal communities of Bengkulu, marking the Islamic New Year on the 1st of Muharram. The series of rituals begins with prayers for safety and the Arak Sorban (turban procession), culminating in the Tabut Naik Puncak ceremony as the festival's highlight. Far more than just a religious event, the Tabut Festival serves as a vibrant platform for preserving Bengkulu’s cultural heritage through Tabut dance performances, dhol percussion music, folk games, and traditional literature and attire, all woven into a spectacular celebration.
