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This study sought to show that the pate nalan rite of the Lelenbala and Ipi Ebang Adonara communities in East Flores is a medium for establishing social cohesion in a multi-religious society. The social cohesion of a multi-religious society becomes the basis of national cohesion and contributes to the development of national civilization. This study used a qualitative method with the aim of exploring the knowledge, experience, opinions, and feelings of informants about the pate nalan rite as a medium for establishing social cohesion. Observation, interview and document study were chosen as data collection techniques. The data were collected from May 2020 to July 2022. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with cultural and community leaders in the two villages. This study found that the pate nalan rite became the glue for the social structure of society and a means to achieve individual and communal salvation. These two sides of salvation encourage people to unite and move together beyond religious backgrounds. Pate nalan becomes a medium to nurture social cohesion among Catholic and Muslim communities in the villages of Lelenbala and Ipi Ebang. Social cohesion manifests itself in the form of mutual assistance and active involvement in organizing rites and has an impact on the daily social relations of people with different religious backgrounds. This study enriches sociological studies of religion with a focus on local culture as the basis for building social cohesion of the multi-religious Indonesian nation.

pate nalan rite, social cohesion, multi-religious