Duek Pakat, a togetherness tradition in Aceh.

Duek Pakat is a long live tradition in Aceh. It has been passing down through generations. *Duek pakat *is where people in a village would gather to discuss or hear a decision about a matters. To be simple, duek pakat is a form of meeting. Instead of being serious and attended by limited number of people, duek pakat is open for public and all people in the village sit together, it's just a happy public meeting. The atmosphere is crowded but all is in order.

Practically, this duek pakat agenda often takes place when a family in a village plans to make a family event such as wedding party, and other events. So, a week before the main event, the family would host the duek pakat. The ceremony is usually in the night, I have never seen people host the ceremony during the day, it's just not fit. Because people are working and unable to present the ceremony.

All villagers are invited to come to duek pakat ceremony. So, the atmosphere is usually so festive. People come to the hoster home, from the young ones to the elders. If the host family has relatives from other village, they would also come to this ceremony. This is when all villagers are in unite and enjoy togetherness. I personally like this ceremony more than the main event (wedding party) itselft because I feel peace and happiness all around the place. It's glad to see villager sit together in harmony. Sometimes, I missed the main event, but I always come to duek pakat ceremony.

So what is this ceremony all about?
Villagers are usually invited to be informed about details regarding the main event, such as the date of wedding day, how many guest there will be, and some more. Another thing, villagers would donate some of their money to the host family. This donation will be used by the host family to support the main event, we help each other here. That's one of reason to why I like this agenda so much, it strengthen the bond among villagers.

You know, we don't use a wedding organizer to organize the event. We have all workers in the village, villagers are ready to help the host family. All of jobs regarding to wedding event are done by the villager, such as cooking, decoration, washing dishes, and many more.

Before the host family informs the villagers about details regarding main event, male villagers would gather under tent and pray together while female villagers preparing meals and drinks. There are various meals served in this ocassion, but sticky rice is a must menu. For the drinks, hot coffee and tea are the common menu.

Details regarding main event would be informed by elder of the village after the village finished their pray.

That is this ceremony all about. People would just cillin out, talk and laugh together while having meals and drink. Villagers would get back to their home after washing the dishes together.

Thak you for reading my story