Sekaten.docx

Sekaten, Distinction Symbol of Yogyakarta

Sekaten become a tradition that still continues to be preserved by the people of Yogyakarta because it has strong historical roots. Held for the first time since 15th century in the Demak kingdom under the reign of Raden Patah, the Sekaten celebration was especially designed by the wali (pious Muslim missionary) to propagate Islam. Cultural events which can be seen directly in Sekaten celebration, beginning with the procession "miyos gangsa" that is out of palace gamelan "Ngayogyakarta" named "Kanjeng Kyai Guntur Madu" and "Kanjeng Kyai Naga Wilaga" are brought to the palace's Masjid Gedhe to be played continuously, except on Fridays, until the whole celebration is over on Maulud 12. Before it is brought to the mosque and placed at two special halls at the front of the mosque, the instruments are played at the palace's Bangsal Ponconiti hall. These are then paraded through the Alun-Alun Utara square, immediately south of the twin banyan trees known as ringin kurung, to the mosque. The traditional soldiers from the palace follow. There are normally five different gunungan distributed during the garebeg ritual. They are: gunungan lanang, gunungan wadon, gunungan darat, gunungan pawuhan and gunungan gepak. Each has a particular symbolic meaning. The community traditionally believes that eating parts of the offerings will bring them good luck. The series of cultural activities as well as the end of Sekaten then marked with an "Bedhol Songsong" or performing "wayang kulit" all-night in the Exhibition Palace Ngayogyakarta. Meanwhile, a series of economic activities also manifested in the form of public market or called Sekaten Celebration Night Market (PMPS) that was held for 40 days. Visitors who enter the arena PMPS will immediately be treated to a variety of folk entertainment and potential winning crafts from all regions of the city of Yogyakarta. Source: www.indonesia-tourism.com