In Indonesia, mudik (homecoming) is a deeply rooted tradition, especially leading up to Eid al-Fitr. During this time, thousands of people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with family.
But did you know that Indonesia isn’t the only country with such a tradition? Several other nations around the world also have their own versions of homecoming. Here’s a look at how different cultures celebrate their return home:
China
In China, the largest homecoming tradition happens during Chinese New Year, known as Chunyun. This period marks the world’s largest annual human migration, as millions of Chinese citizens return to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families.
Chunyun typically lasts for about 40 days, starting a few weeks before the New Year and continuing until after the celebration ends. The government usually boosts transportation services, adding more high-speed train rides, flights, and buses to meet the massive demand.
India
In India, homecoming is common during major religious festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja. These festivals trigger large-scale travel as people return home to celebrate with family.
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the busiest travel periods, marked by lighting oil lamps, sharing meals, and participating in religious rituals. Holi (Festival of Colors), Durga Puja, and Chhath Puja also see similar spikes in nationwide travel.
South Korea
In South Korea, homecoming primarily takes place during Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). During these national holidays, Koreans return to their ancestral homes to gather with family, honor ancestors, and share traditional meals.
Both Seollal (late January or early February) and Chuseok (September or October) result in intense traffic congestion, packed train stations, and soaring transportation prices.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, homecoming is known as balik kampung, similar to Indonesia’s mudik. Each year before Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), millions leave major cities to return to their hometowns.
Traffic congestion is most severe on roads connecting urban centers like Kuala Lumpur to states such as Kelantan, Kedah, and Johor. To ease congestion, the government often implements counterflow lanes and toll discounts during peak periods.
United States
While not as widely practiced as in Indonesia, homecoming in the U.S. takes place during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is considered the most family-centric holiday, making it one of the busiest travel days of the year. Airports and highways are typically packed with people trying to make it home in time for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Unlike in Indonesia, where people often use buses or trains, Americans usually travel by plane or personal car across states, making full use of the country’s expansive highway network.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the homecoming tradition closely resembles that of Indonesia and occurs during Tết Nguyên Đán, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Tết is the most important celebration in Vietnam, during which people return to their hometowns to be with family, honor ancestors, and welcome the new year. As the holiday approaches, cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang see mass departures.
Transportation systems are overwhelmed, and tickets for buses, trains, and flights sell out weeks in advance. People often queue for hours or pay extra just to secure a seat home.
Turkey
In Turkey, homecoming is common during Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha).
A few days before each holiday, many city dwellers from places like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir start traveling to their hometowns, usually in smaller cities or rural villages. Most people travel by car, bus, or plane, and the government often offers transportation discounts to ease the burden.
Major roads, especially toll highways connecting big cities, experience severe traffic. Airports and bus terminals also overflow with travelers eager to get home in time for the festivities.
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