Two Grebeg Besar Ceremonies for Idul Adha at Surakarta Palace

The Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat will host two major Grebeg Besar ceremonies during this year’s Idul Adha period. This is due to a dispute between the two sons of the late Pakubuwono XIII—KGPH Mangkubumi and KGPH Puruboyo, now known as Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIV—who each claim the throne and have scheduled the annual tradition on different dates. Puruboyo’s faction has scheduled the Grebeg Besar for Wednesday, 27 May 2026, while Mangkubumi’s group will hold it on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Information regarding Mangkubumi’s Grebeg Besar was confirmed by GRAy Koes Moertiyah Wandansari, Chair of the Adat Council, in a written statement received by Tempo on Monday, 25 May 2026. ‘The Surakarta Hadiningrat Royal Palace will hold the Grebeg Besar Dal 1959 ceremonial event on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 9:00 AM WIB within the palace grounds,’ said Koes Moertiyah. Gusti Moeng, the younger brother of Pakubuwono XIII, explained that the Grebeg Besar is intentionally held on the second day after the government’s Idul Adha, known as ‘bakda kedua’. According to Gusti Moeng, this timing tradition has been observed since the reign of Pakubuwono XII. ‘Since the time of Sinuhun Pakubuwono XII, the ceremony has been scheduled on the second day to allow the sentana and abdi dalem to spend the first day with their families,’ Gusti Moeng said. Mangkubumi has urged all sentana dalem, abdi dalem, and the wider public to view the Grebeg Besar as an opportunity to strengthen gratitude and unity. Gusti Moeng emphasised that the tradition is more than a cultural ceremony—it is a spiritual outreach and a form of charity from the palace to its people. ‘The Grebeg Besar is not merely a cultural ritual but a spiritual expression, a charitable act by the palace to the people, and a symbol of the close bond between Surakarta Palace and the community,’ he said. He explained that during the Grebeg Besar Dal 1959 ceremony, Solo Palace will parade two gunungan (mountain-shaped offerings) along with other items. The procession will travel from the palace to Solo Grand Mosque, closely escorted by palace soldiers, sentana dalem, and abdi dalem. ‘The two main gunungan each carry distinct symbolism. The Gunungan Jaler (Male) contains raw agricultural produce, symbolising fertility and prosperity, while the Gunungan Estri (Female) holds ready-to-eat dried foods, representing abundance of livelihood,’ Gusti Moeng said. Upon arrival at Solo Grand Mosque, the gunungan will first be blessed by palace religious leaders. After the communal prayer, the Gunungan Jaler will be distributed among the public in the mosque courtyard, while the Gunungan Estri will be returned to the Kori Kamandungan gate for distribution within the palace grounds. ‘In addition to the Grebeg Besar procession, Surakarta Palace will conduct the jamasan ritual—the cleansing of sacred heirlooms—one day before the main event. Among the items to be cleansed are the Meriam Nyai Setomi cannon and the Songsong Kyai Brawijaya heirloom,’ Gusti Moeng said. This year’s Grebeg Besar also includes social initiatives. The palace has partnered with Surakarta City Health Department to provide free health check-ups. ‘Free health services will be held at the Surakarta Palace Pagelaran from 8:30 AM WIB,’ Gusti Moeng said. Meanwhile, GKR Panembahan Timoer, Pengangeng Sasana Wilapa, outlined Puruboyo’s Grebeg Besar plans during a press interview at Surakarta Palace on 19 May 2026. Gusti Timoer stated the Grebeg Besar would take place on Idul Adha day itself—Wednesday, 27 May 2026. He said the event’s schedule would follow previous years’ traditions. ‘The activities will follow the usual routine: gunungan are brought to the Grand Mosque, blessed, then distributed. This is the first time the Grebeg is being held during Pakubuwono XIV’s reign, on 27 May,’ Gusti Timoer said. When asked about the date choice, he said it aligns with Javanese and palace calendar calculations. Gusti Timoer stated there is no connection between this date and the Grebeg Besar organised by Gusti Tedjowulan. ‘As explained by Gusti Dipo (Gusti Dipokusumo), Grebeg, Gunungan, and Suro ceremonies are royal decrees. The king’s command dictates these events. So I’m confused—if Gusti Tedjo is organising it, who is the king? Gusti Tedjo is not the king,’ Gusti Timoer said. Meanwhile, KGPH Panembahan Agung Tedjowulan, Panembahan Agung of Surakarta Palace, has ordered strict measures to maintain public order and harmony. Any elements disrupting traditional and cultural activities or palace revitalisation efforts will be dealt with firmly. ‘Regarding the Grebeg Besar Idul Adha Dal 1959, Gusti Tedjowulan held a coordination meeting with the extended family and Surakarta City authorities on Wednesday, 12 May 2026, to ensure public order and harmony,’ said Kanjeng Pakoenegoro, Gusti Tedjowulan’s spokesperson. Pakoenegoro stated Gusti Tedjowulan has instructed that the Grebeg Besar Idul Adha proceed smoothly, safely, peacefully, and without personal or factional egos. ‘The Surakarta Palace family must unite. There must be no conflicts from any quarter. Do not hold separate Grebeg Besar Idul Adha events,’ Pakoenegoro conveyed Gusti Tedjowulan’s message.