Today is a special day for 6 and a half year old Madina Jauza Aina Effendy. 

Because today, at the Arjuna Temple in Dieng, a small mountain town in Indonesia, Madina gets a haircut.

And it’s not just any haircut – it’s a local, unique tradition for children born with curly hair.

Madina is one of 10 children to get her hair cut today, in front of thousands of spectators.

Children with curly hair are considered special, and are believed to be descendants of Ratu Kidul, the Queen of the South Seas.

Their every request must be honored, or else curly-haired children are believed to bring bad luck. But when kept happy, they are said to bring good fortune.

Locals believe their hair must be cut only during this annual ceremony, at this Hindu temple.

NATASHYA GUTIERREZ, REPORTER: This ritual shows just how diverse Indonesia’s culture actually is. Most spectators are local, Indonesian from across the country, here in Dieng, to witness this unique tradition. 

The ritual starts with villagers offering food to the gods, and a parade as the children are led to the temple. 

The hair of the children are washed with water from a specific well, believed to be sacred.

Then, an elaborate ceremony. Village elders pray over the children. 

And finally, the haircut.

One by one, the children are taken on stage for their turn. 

Madina gets her hair cut by none other than Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

The hair is then put into a bowl, then later released into this lake: Telaga Warna or in English, Colored Lake. 

After the haircut, gifts for the children. They receive whatever it is they ask for.  

Some ask for kittens, one asks for a wig, 3 kilos of beef, and another, for a laptop.

Madina too, gets her request – a bike, and a dress, like the one from the animated film Frozen.

It’s the same color as the lake where her hair is later released. 

Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler, Dieng. – Rappler.com