While the world celebrated Valentine's Day, the city of Yogyakarta commemorated the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The Yogyakarta Royal Palace marked this occasion with the Grebeg Gunungan festival.
Central to the celebration were 'Gunungan,' elaborate mountain-shaped offerings made of food. These miniature mountains, symbols of gratitude to God, were later distributed among the public in a lively contest. Those tasked with creating the Gunungan observed fasting throughout the preparation process. Two Gunungan were crafted: a male Gunungan and a female Gunungan.
Both Gunungan were paraded out of the palace towards the Grand Mosque of Kauman. Palace guards escorted the procession, and thousands of people attended to witness the sacred ceremony.
Similar ceremonies are also held by the Royal Palace of Surakarta (Solo) in Central Java and the Keraton Kasepuhan (Cirebon Palace) in West Java.
The ceremony marks the culmination of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration. For forty days leading up to the Grebeg Gunungan ceremony, a public market festival called Sekaten takes place.
While Valentine's Day was celebrated globally, Yogyakarta commemorated Prophet Muhammad's birthday with the Grebeg Gunungan festival. The Yogyakarta Royal Palace showcased 'Gunungan,' elaborate food mountains symbolizing gratitude. These offerings were paraded to the Grand Mosque of Kauman, guarded by palace knights, and witnessed by thousands. The Gunungan, crafted through fasting, represent male and female forms, later distributed among the public.
This tradition, culminating 40 days of Sekaten festivities, isn't exclusive to Yogyakarta; similar ceremonies occur in Solo and Cirebon. It's a centuries-old practice, blending spiritual, social, and cultural values, deeply rooted in Yogyakarta's identity.
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| The Sekaten Folk Market Festival and the Grebeg Festival in 1888 |
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