Yogyakarta Sekaten Traditional Ceremony 2026

Sekaten is a week-long traditional Javanese ceremony organized annually by the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Held from the 5th to the 12th day of the Javanese month of Mulud (Rabi' al-awwal), this sacred celebration takes place across the Keraton, Masjid Gedhe Kauman, and Alun-Alun Utara. Visitors can witness the deep-rooted cultural ritual of playing the ancient Kyai Sekati gamelan sets, which historically served to spread Islamic teachings in Java. The grand festival culminates in the Garebeg Mulud ceremony, featuring the parade and distribution of giant crop mounds (gunungan) to the public as a symbol of gratitude.