A. Overview
Sekaten is a series of cultural events held yearly by the provincial government of Yogyakarta in the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth day which falls on 5th Rabi al-Awwal (Hijri calendar) or 5th Maulud (Javanese calendar) consisting rituals and festivities. It was originally held to proselytize Islam in the region on the initiative of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. In modern times, though, it tends to be more like festivities than religious event.
The etymology of the word sekaten varies in at least two versions. One—sekaten originated from the word syahadataini, referring to the two sentences of confirmation of Muslim confession of faith. This is in accordance with the original mission embodied in the event intended by Sultan HB I: proselytization of Islam. Two—sekaten derived from sekati, the name of the royal gamelan instruments usually played in the birthday commemoration of Prophet Muhammad, Kanjeng Kyai Sukati. Another opinion states that it is formed of two words suka (fun) and ati (feeling) as people celebrate the Prophet’s birth in gratefulness and merriment.
Sekaten Night Fair is held for the entire month. Indeed, these days people know sekaten more for the bazaar and amusements rather than the core event—rituals performed in the Grand Mosque of Kauman. The fair itself is held in the North Square of the Royal Palace, before the mosque.
The feast starts out a month before the Prophet’s date of birth, i.e. in Rajab month, and ends the day before the Garebeg Maulud, which is the main as well as closing event of sekaten. The events are open for public—government officials, common people, and tourists will crowd the venue everyday during the month. After hundreds of years, sekaten remains one of the most waited events by the people of Yogyakarta and beyond.
B. Features
For a whole month, Sekaten Night Fair would enliven the city. Like similar feast in other places, in sekaten you can find food stalls, amusement rides, and a wide variety of stands. Regional and municipal governments within the province take part in the event by putting on stands promoting their areas.
Every night, sekaten will be jazzed up with art performances, too, from jathilan, dances, keroncong, to dangdut music. Each of the regencies in the province will also stage a local art performance. Loud music, screams from the Rumah Hantu (Ghost House) ride, sounds of mini trains, people hawking their goods, the event is really full of cheers, a party for common people.
Food lovers should come because some of the foods sold in the event are rare or can only be found there, endog abang and brondong beras, for instance. There is also sate kere (literally, satay of the poor) which is sold Rp 500 a skewer. The satay is made of fat and very cheap, hence the name. You had better enjoy the satay while it is still hot otherwise the fat will harden. The other foods are arum manis, tahu petis, bolang-baling, onde-onde, tempura, kerak telur, and, also, hamburger.
You may want to take a rest and make conversation with the sekar ganten sellers in front of the Grand Mosque after walking around in the North Square. Sekar ganten is a cone pack of betel leaves, lime, tobacco, and white frangipani flower. Some people still believe that chewing sekar ganten in the yard of the mosque could give them longevity. You can also hear stories of sekaten tradition from the sellers.
C. Location
Sekaten Night Fair is held in the North Square of the Royal Palace for a whole month.
D. Access
Visitors can come by public bus or Transjogja bus. From Tugu Train Station, you can also take a tricycle or horse cart to get to the venue. While from Malioboro (point zero kilometer), you just need to walk southwards to the Royal North Square.
E. Ticket
The entrance ticket is Rp 2,000 from Monday to Thursday and Rp 3,000 from Friday to Sunday (January 2010). However, starting from a week before Miyos Gongso ritual and Garebeg ceremony, people can get in for free.
F. Accommodations and Other Facilities
Both traditional and modern art performances are featured in the event. And whilst amusement goes on in the North Square, there will be Muslim congregations in the Grand Mosque. The venue is also fitted out with media center, information center, and security post.
Text: Elisabeth Murni
Translation: Reza Daffi
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)
Read : 1864 time(s).
If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:
KALOKA ADVENTURE
JOGJA OFFICE:
Kaloka Adventure
ALAMAT:Gunung Ketur pa ii 300 yk Indonesia – 80361
Phone:
+628562978660
Email:kalokaadventure@yahoo.com
Web:kalokaadventure.blogspot.com
