‘Genta’ rings back memories

In terengganu, the genta bell-ringing tradition endures during the ramadan month.

Despite recent technological advancements, the tradition of ringing the “genta” (bell) during the month of Ramadan on Bukit puteri in Kuala terengganu continues to endure.

the bell is used to indicate the times for breaking fast, locally known as berbuka puasa or iftar (which is observed during sunsets), and to stop eating and drinking at imsak, which is a period before the break of dawn.

saifol Nahrain Hashim, terengganu state Museum Board assistant museum officer, pointed out that this community tradition dating back to 1908 makes terengganu unique.

“Now there are fireworks on Bukit panorama which mark the time to break fast during Ramadan, but this bell is a terengganu tradition that has not been forgotten,” he said.

the bell was made during the reign of sultan Zainal Abidin iii in 1908 by copper craftsman Wan Ali Wan Awang, with the assistance of other craftsmen from Kampung tanjung and Kampung paya near istana Maziah in Kuala terengganu.

Made from yellow copper, measuring approximately 228cm in circumference, 70cm in height, and weighing 175kg, the bell was used in the past to alert local people of any mishap or disaster, or an enemy invasion (circa World War ii).

today, saifol said it is only used during Ramadan, struck three times a day, namely seven strikes 30 minutes before iftar, 36 strikes at 1am for “sahur” (pre-dawn meal), and four strikes half an hour before imsak (start of fast).

the task of ringing the giant bell is now carried out by Muizzuddin Mansor, 25, and his cousin Muhammad Hamidi Aminuddin, 30, the third generation after Muizzuddin’s father, Mansor Awang, 74.

According to Muizzuddin, his father as the second generation has been carrying out this task since the 1960s after inheriting it from his uncle (Muizzuddin’s granduncle) when he was 20 years old.

“i started ringing the bell when i was 16 years old. My father passed it down to me and Muhammad Hamidi when he became frail. this bell is located at the peak of Bukit puteri, which has 90 steps that we have to climb every day.

“We take turns to carry out the duty. the sound of this bell can be heard about 2km from Bukit puteri,” said the lorry driver. – Bernama

during the fasting month, Muizzuddin is one of the individuals tasked with the daily responsibility of ringing the bell. — Photos: Bernama

Muizzuddin (left) and hamidi checking on the condition of the ‘genta’ bell used during the ramadan month in Kuala terengganu.

a view of the room specifically designated for housing the bell.