Huge carbide cannons were fired in Pontianak, Indonesia, to mark the ending of Ramadan - the Muslim month of fasting.

Footage from May 10 shows several men operating the cannons that make a huge booming sound as they fire the devices.

The cannons were fired to mark the end of Ramadan and welcome Eid, a religious festival celebrated by Muslims.

Eid al-Fitr or the day of victory for Muslims after a month of fasting should be celebrated with joy and pride. Not just to show up, but to be grateful for all the blessings that God has given. In Pontianak City, West Kalimantan Province, residents have a unique way of celebrating and welcoming Eid al-Fitr, namely by making carbide cannons and sounding them on the banks of the Kapuas River in Pontianak.

This is how the carbide cannon games carried out by residents in Pontianak City are like this. This carbide cannon was sounded by residents on the banks of the Kapuas River in Pontianak.

Even though there was no festival held by the Pontianak City Government, the residents continued to do the game of carbide cannons at the night welcoming Eid Al-Fitr in 2021.

Residents said the government did not prohibit them from playing the carbide cannon because it was to maintain the traditions of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in Pontianak City that have been carried out for a long time.

Even though there is no prohibition from the government, residents are asked to play the carbide cannon, residents still apply strict health protocols to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

"The game of carbide cannons is part of the culture of the people of Pontianak City," said Pontianak City resident, Leo Galuh.

According to the story, the Pontianak Kadriah Sultanate from 1771 to 1808, the first king of Pontianak Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie when clearing land to reside in Pontianak was disturbed by ghosts. The Sultan then ordered his troops to expel the ghosts with a carbide cannon.

Sounding the cannon is to get rid of bad luck and ward off kuntilanak ghosts in Pontianak City. The loud sound is also a sign of the Maghrib call to prayer. Over time, the carbide cannon tradition developed into a tourist attraction. This cannon will be sounded from the night of takbiran, until the third day of Eid.


Video by : Arief Nugroho / Opn Images Indonesia