Harmonization of Tradition and Religion in Ngukus Tradition in the Community of Ujungberung, Bandung

Indonesia is a multicultural and multi-ethnic society that has rich traditions and rituals. The rituals contain meaning and cultural value as well as religion that become life guide among local communities. The diversity of culture, religion, and belief of Indonesian communities has coloured various traditions and rituals that exist in the country. Ngukusan tradition is an inherited custom from previous generations (adat karuhun urang) in Ujung Berung community, the city of Bandung. It is a burning of incense that is performed on certain days and for various socio-religious activities. This study focuses on what and how the ngukusan tradition is conducted, as well as on harmonisation between religion, culture, and a particular tradition. It is a qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach in the form of a case study of the ngukusan tradition. Data were collected through participatory observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study show that there are combination and acculturation between Islam and local culture of the virtue ethics in the form of divine moral values and tolerance.