Tepung Tepung Tawar is a sacred ceremony of the Malay community, especially in Riau. The ceremony is a manifestation as the Malay community's gratitude after they feel God's favor and a blessing prayer to the Almighty to give them safety and blessings. Tepuk Tepung Tawar ceremony is also held by the Malay community in other events, like weddings, circumcision ceremonies, moving to a new house, and other ceremonies. 

Tepuk Tepung Tawar's procession must be done by someone who understands the tradition. The ceremony is conducted by patting powder on the back and front sides of the hands, and splashing rose water to people who will be given the ceremony. The splatter order is pictured in lam alif (ﻻ), meaning "God Wills". Tepuk Tepung Tawar ceremony is continued by sprinkling potpourri flowers, white rice, and yellow rice (rice that has been colored with turmeric) on the entire body that has been smeared with plain flour. 

Every part of the Tepuk Tepung Tawar ceremony's equipment has its meaning. For example, turmeric rice means honor, the cleaned white rice symbolizes self chastity, and rose water symbolizes a good reputation (fragrant name). The procession ends with prayers for the people whom they hold the ceremony for, to be in safety and full of greatness. 

Sources:

Dinas Kebudayaan Provinsi Kepulauan Riau. 2018. “Tepuk Tepung Tawar” accessed through http://disbud.kepriprov.go.id/tepuk-tepung-tawar/ on 9 February 2022

kepripedia. 2020. "Tradisi 'Tepuk Tepung Tawar' di Kepri, Simbol Permohonan Keselamatan" accessed through https://kumparan.com/kepripedia/tradisi-tepuk-tepung-tawar-di-kepri-simbol-permohonan-keselamatan-1sz3VpRwHEV/1 on 9 February 2022

Widi Wahyuning Tyas. 2021. “Apa Itu Tepuk Tepung Tawar? Tradisi Unik Melayu Kepri saat Hajatan Penting” accessed through https://batam.tribunnews.com/2021/02/26/apa-itu-tepuk-tepung-tawar-tradisi-unik-melayu-kepri-saat-hajatan-penting on 9 February 2022

Image sources:

Kamar Zaman, Laskar Rempah’s member from Riau

Rey desain/Shutterstock

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