Three Mountains Festival
‘W a i H u m b a I I I’
Follow-up Activity of Ecology Program
The word 'Sumba' or 'Humba' actually means water. It is
proven by all the names of major regions in Sumba which has become the capital
of the district begin with the word 'Wai or Wee' having water meaning. For example, Waingapu, the East
Sumba district capital, Waibakul, the Central Sumba Waibakul district capital,
Waikabubak, the West Sumba district capital and Waitabula/Weetabula, the South West Sumba district capital.
Ironically, the physical development in Sumba often forgets,
even destroys the water existence that is actually the identity of Sumba itself
as developments have reached Three Mountain region. This area is the main
and largest water supplier in Sumba island, consisting of Mount Wanggameti
(East Sumba), Mount Tanadaru (Central Sumba and West Sumba) and Mount Yawila
(Southwest Sumba).
Three Mountain Festival called Wai Humba in Sumba language,
is a new alternative approach to make people closer to the Creator and
environment, especially water. This year, East Sumba is the host of Wai Humba
Festival III held on October 9 - 12, 2014. This event was carried out in Ramuk
village, Pinu Pahar, East Sumba.
The activities done in the festival are Mass climbing on
Mount Wanggameti, Art and culture performance from various regions in Sumba, Reforestation
(Stube-HEMAT Sumba), Pahamang (culture discussion), Ecumenical worship and Thanksgiving
offerings in river as pahamang (agreement) in Three Mountains Festival 'Wai
Humba' 2014.
In fact, this festival is an effort to preserve Sumba culture
in the context of natural preservation and protection from destruction, as well
as an opportunity for thanks-giving to the creator and ancestors who have
instilled many natural wisdoms.
Furthermore, this festival is a form of creativity developed
from Sumbanese habit, namely 'Kalarat Wai.' Kalarat Wai is a religious activity
by praying on water resources in Sumba island. It is a form of gratitude to the
creator for abundant water and also a prayer to the creator to give water as
gift for Sumbanese. (IGA).
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