PASOLA, THE MYTH OF SUMBA

Pasola is the name of a tournament in which 2 groups of men fight against each other. Riding decorated horses, they exchange wooden spears (now almost harmless). This unique traditional ceremony takes place every year in February and March. It is considered sacred, as it pays homage to the Marapu.
MARAPU
One of the most highly awaited events of the year, the Pasola takes place in Lamboya and Kodi in February, and in Gaura and Wanukaka in march. It begins a few days after the full moon and coincides with the annual arrival of peculiar, multicolored sea creatures—known as nyale—on Sumba’s shores. The exact date of the Pasola is determined by the Rato (spiritual leader) during the fasting month of Wula Podu.
MEANING
The term Pasola originates from the words Sola or Hola, which refer to a type of long wooden stick used as a lance. Pasola is derived from the word Sola or Hola, meaning a long wooden staff used as a lance in combat between two opposing groups of horsemen. The riders, known for their courage and skill, wear traditional attire as they engage in this ritual battle. For the Sumbanese people, Pasola is deeply intertwined with their way of life, balancing physical and material needs with spiritual and mental well-being. This sacred ritual embodies local traditions and beliefs, ensuring harmony both on Earth and in the afterlife. Pasola is also closely linked to agriculture, as any bloodshed—whether from sacrificial livestock or the warriors themselves—is seen as a symbol of prosperity. In fact, the ritual holds no meaning unless blood is spilled during the Pasola. Those who perish in the event are believed to have violated customary law during the fasting month. While the ritual carries risks, they are accepted as part of the tradition, embraced with a sense of sportsmanship by the participants.
ORIGINS OF THE MYTH
Legend has it that thousands of years ago, three brothers, one of whom was named Umbu Dula, set out from a village called Waiwuang (now Wanukaka) with the intention of harvesting rice in the village of Masu Karera, located on the southern coast of East Sumba.

However, they deceived the villagers, claiming they were going fishing. When they failed to return, the worried villagers set out in search of them, but their efforts were in vain.

Left alone for too long, Umbu Dula’s wife, Rambu Kaba, fell in love with Tedo Gai Parana, a man from Kodi, and decided to marry him.

When the three brothers finally returned to Waiwuang, they were met with mixed emotions.

Though the villagers rejoiced at their arrival, Umbu Dula was heartbroken to learn that his wife had fled to Kodi with Tedo Gai Parana, that they had decided to marry, and that they were happily living together.

Determined to reclaim her, the three brothers and the villagers pursued Rambu Kaba and her lover, eventually finding them at the foot of a hill. Upon seeing Umbu Dula among the people of Waiwuang, Rambu Kaba burst into tears. Yet, overcome with shame, she refused to return to Waiwuang.

As compensation, Tedo Gai Parana’s family was required to pay a dowry to Umbu Dula, consisting of buffaloes, horses, a set of ornaments, lances, swords, and a unique species of seaworm known as nyale. These nyale typically appear in February and March, a few days after the full moon.

Following the dowry ceremony, the people of Kodi invited those from Waiwuang to participate in a Pasola tournament, commemorating the event and helping to ease the sorrow caused by Rambu Kaba’s departure.

Since then, the arrival of the nyale has been celebrated with the Pasola tournament, and the locals believe that the abundance of nyale is a sign of a prosperous harvest.

The Pasola ceremony is typically preceded by several other rituals performed during the fasting month (Wula Nyale or Wula Podu), including self-purification, traditional boxing (Pajura), and the welcoming of the nyale, which takes place on the beach at dawn.

These rituals are led by the Ratos, the spiritual leaders of each village.

During this period of purification, numerous prohibitions are enforced, such as mourning the dead, striking gongs, wearing ankle bracelets, dressing in bright colors, killing animals, crossing the Pasola zone, or fording the river estuary.

Once the fasting period ends, a boxing match (Pajura) is held. Before the tournament begins, the Rato overseeing the ritual announces the rules of the game. Then, the two Ratos throw their lances to signal the start of the competition.

Hundreds of riders charge forward, shouting as they hurl their wooden spears at their opponents.

According to tradition, the tournament becomes even more intense when a participant is wounded.

At the end of the Pasola, the participants return to their villages, where they are welcomed as heroes returning from battle. A thanksgiving ceremony then takes place, during which livestock is sacrificed to ensure fertile lands and bountiful harvests.

Pasola is, therefore, an essential part of Sumbanese life—one filled with laughter, joy, and hope for a prosperous future.