Welcome to Jogja

Grebeg is one form of the existing tradition in Javanesse society. In Jogjakarta, known as areas that still upholds the traditions and culture of Java. Grebeg has become an annual agenda of its own in the life of society. The main purpose Grebeg namely as a form of gratitude to God Almighty for what He has been given to us. Grebeg is hold 3 times in a year in Jogjakarta palace. The 1st is Grebeg Maulud, it is the climax of Sekaten. Held yearly on the 12th day of the 3rd month  of the Javanese calendar.The history of Grebeg Sekaten come from Wali Songo especially Sunan Kali jaga. In ancient time culture and art is very important. It is one way to introduce Religion to Indonesian people Sekaten to showed to the people if just one God. The 2nd is Big Grebeg, Held yearly at the Sultan’s Palace on the 10th day of the last month of the Javanese calendar to commenrate Abraham’s test of faith when challenged to sacrifice his one and only son. The 3rd is Grebeg Syawal, Held yearly on the 1st day of the 10th month of the Javanese calendar (Syawal) at the end of Ramadhan, (see schedule) the Muslim holy month of fasting.

The Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets) whirl in front of the stage. Their movements are smooth and rhythmic according to the crash of gongs and bells. The shadow pupets are carved from the skin of the water buffalo. With a thin knife, they create fine, lace-like details. These are painted in bright colours. Moveable arms are attached before the painting begins. Each puppet's face is different, as his or her character is reflected in the features and expressions. It is the DALANG (puppet master), who brings these puppets to life before the large paper screen.He manipulates the figures in amazingly beautiful and life-like manner. On the screen, the characters can run, laugh,argue and fight.The dalang is diplomatic and charming leader of the performance. He varies his voice to suit the puppet's characters and mood. Conversing in both the local and aristocratic levels of language ,he spins stories of religion and history. The dalang also cues the gamelan orchestra to changes in the tempo by various signals. so, how about yogyakarta? 

The Ramayana is an epic derived from the stories of india. The name of the characters and locations had been changed when the stories were brought to Java. These stories have spread throughtout the archipelago over the centuries. The Ramayana recounts the adventures of Rama. The hero is the dashing Prince Rama , an incarnation of Hindu god Wishnu. He was fated by the gods to kill Rahwana, the evil king. Banished from the palace with his beautiful wife Sita, Rama heads for the forest. Sita is kidnapped by evil king. In his search for Sita , Rama enlist the help of the monkey god Hanoman. The monkey king, with his band of monkeys, goes to war with Rahwana. He wins and rescues Sita. The best place to watch this greatepic is Yogyakarta. There on a most enchantingtage this ballet is performed by the light of the full moon. it is absolutely magical ,the costumes are both bright and flowing. The air crisp, the music is haunting and it captures the beauty and passion of INDONESIA cultures. SO, welcome to Yogyakarta.