Summary

The Legend of Kesodo Feast in Mount Bromo

Hundreds years ago, the last king of Majapahit had a young princess from one of his wives. The princess was named Roro Anteng. Later, Roro Anteng married Joko Seger, who came from Brahman caste.

Because of unfortunate situation the couple was forced to leave the kingdom. They settled in the mountain area. They ruled the area and named it Tengger, which was derived from their names, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger.

After several years of reign, the region flourished in prosperity, but Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were sad because they did not have a child. They climbed the top of mountain and prayed there night and day hoping that the God would listen. The prayer was heard and Betoro Bromo promised to give them many children. However, they had to promise that they would sacrifice their youngest child in return.

Roro Anteng  gave birth to a child, then another and another. In the end, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger had 25 children. Soon it was time to sacrifice the youngest child , Kusuma, but the parents could not do it. They tried to hide him, but an eruption happened and Kusuma fell into the crater. There was silence before they heard a voice. “I have to be sacrificed so that you will all stay alive. From now on, you should arrange an annual offering ceremony on the 14th of Kesodo (the twelfth month of Tengerese calendar)”. It was Kusuma’s voice. Kusuma’s brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony every year. Instead of human being, they collected fruits, vegetables, rice, and meat to be off to the Gods. And this has been done generation after generation until today.