The First Night of Suro at the Surakarta Palace is more than just a celebration of the Javanese New Year. It’s a culmination of spirituality and tradition, steeped in meaning. The night sky usually feels silent, as if the entire city of Surakarta is holding its breath. Inside the palace, the palace servants and the royal family prepare sacred rituals that have been passed down through generations.
One of the most awaited moments is the emergence of Kebo Kyai Slamet, a white buffalo considered sacred and the guardian of the harmony of the palace. With slow and calm steps, Kebo Kyai Slamet was paraded around the palace, leading the heirloom procession.
Thousands of people flocked to follow, walking barefoot, carrying prayers and hopes for a better Javanese new year.
For the people of Surakarta, touching or even simply seeing Kebo Kyai Slamet is believed to bring blessings and safety. Torches lit along the streets, creating a magical atmosphere. The tinkling of gamelan music accompanied the steps of the courtiers, adding to the sacred aura of the night.
This tradition is not just a spectacle, but a reminder of ancestral wisdom: that life should be lived with balance, respect for nature, and gratitude to the Creator. The First Night of Suro at the Surakarta Palace is always a moment of reflection, an invitation to heal the heart and begin a new journey with a pure soul.
