Topat is short for “ketupat” and are small diamond-shaped parcels of rice, which have been wrapped in woven coconut leaves and boiled – a delicious local alternative to ordinary rice. In this friendly war, Hindus and Muslims stage a mock battle, hurling the topat at each other amidst much fun and laughter.
Built around 1714 and rebuilt in 1874, Pura Lingsar is located about 10 km northwest of Mataram and is renowned for its unique temple complexes. The temple was built during the reign of the King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah , a descendent of the kings of Karangasem from Bali, who once ruled this part of
Lombok.
Lingsar Temple is the only temple on Lombok where Hindus and Muslims gather to worship and pray together. The temple is considered sacred by both religions; it has been associated with fertility for centuries and is an important link to the island’s animist roots.
The ritual of Perang Topat has been performed at Lingsar Temple every year on the full moon in the seventh month of the Sasak calendar for hundreds of years, in a tradition that is passed down through the generations.
This year, Perang Topat will take place in the late afternoon on Wednesday, 28 November. Try to arrive around 3pm.