Surakarta Palace holds ‘labuhan’ ritual

Wed, February 27, 2019 / 04:21 pm

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Ready to commence: Kasunanan Surakarta Palace guards pose before the masonry wall of the tomb of Panembahan Senopati, the founder of the Mataram Sultanate. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Preparations: Royal servants wait for the labuhan ritual procession to begin. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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The guardians: Palace guards escort the labuhan ritual objects to the Parang Kusumo Beach. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Begging to God: A senior woman royal servant leads a prayer in front of two boxes that will be cast into the sea. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Solemn: Two daughters of Pakubuwono XII, GKR Koes Moertiyah (right) and GKR Koes Indriyah (left), along with a senior female royal servant, pray. JP/ Boy T Harjanto
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Devotion: Pakubuwono XII’s daughter GKR Koes Indriyah throws flower petals into the sea at Parang Kusumo Beach. JP/Boy T Harjanto

Boy T Harjanto

The Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace held a labuhan ritual at the Parang Kusumo Beach in Bantul, Yogyakarta, on Feb. 21.

The ritual is an annual event, in which the possessions of King Amangkurat are cast into the sea after a series of prayers and a procession to the beach.

A number of palace guards and abdi dalem (royal servants) carried the ritual objects and escorted the family members of the reigning King Pakubuwono XIII of the Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat.

A senior women royal servant led the prayers to ask God to ensure the security and safety of the Kasunanan Surakarta Palace.

At the seashore amid smashing waves, the ritual was performed, witnessed by several of Pakubuwono XII’s daughters, including GKR Koes Moertiyah and GKR Koes Indriyah.