VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Uwi is a kind of edible tuber. It is white and stringy. This plant is so popular in East Nusa Tenggara Province -NTT. Before getting to know rice, farmers throughout Manggarai Raya, NTT have already known the Uwi as a staple food. As a staple food, the local community initially cultivated the Uwi plant that grew in the forest. Now, the farmers have planted the Uwi plants that are scattered throughout the fields at the village of Manggarai Raya. Apart from being used as a staple food, the Uwi is also used as the main ingredient in the Kewur Uwi ritual.

The Kewur Uwi ritual is an annual ritual inherited by the ancestors of all residents of Paua village, Mangarai Raya. It is a sign of the start of the rice harvest which is scattered on the slopes and hills around the village. The rice in the fields cannot be harvested if the Kewur Uwi ritual has not been carried out. All farmers in the South Elar sub-district obey this ritual. The Kewur Uwi ritual is carried out every April in the agricultural calendar of the local residents. This ritual is held massively in all villages in the South Elar sub-district. The local residents hold it for one day only and it is held from house to house.

During the Kewur Uwi ritual, the Uwi is burned to serve. In addition to the Uwi, the local residents also serve Ghan Rupang, a meal  wrapped in young bamboo leaves. Rupang is a traditional meal from some tribes in the South Elar District. It is always served during the Kewur Uwi ritual. Before the Uwi and Rupang are enjoyed, the traditional elders will pray for the meal. When the Kewur Uwi ritual takes place, women are prohibited to eat. In addition, the residents are prohibited from beating drums and gongs at local traditional houses. Drumming and gong beating can be carried out when the ritual has been completed. In addition to the sign of the start of the rice harvest, the Kewur Uwi Ritual is a legacy of the people of South Elar to honor the universe, ancestors and the Creator of life who provided staple food for local residents before getting to know rice. Until now, the ritual has been preserved and has even become a tourism attraction in Manggarai Raya, East Nusa Tenggara.