Inp.polri.go.id - Yogyakarta.  In the quiet hours before dawn, thousands of people solemnly circled the ancient walls of the Yogyakarta Palace late on Thursday (26/6/2025) evening to mark 1 Sura Dal 1959 on the Javanese calendar and 1 Muharram 1447 Hijri, the Islamic New Year. 

Known as Lampah Budaya Mubeng Beteng, the 5-kilometer spiritual walk is a cherished tradition of silent prayer and reflection.

Participants, including palace courtiers ( better known as abdi dalem), began gathering Thursday evening. The ceremony opened with macapat chants—verses of gratitude and hope—led by senior court member K.M.T. Projosuwasono.

At midnight, the palace bell signaled the start of tapa bisu, a vow of silence observed during the procession. 

“This walk is an act of spiritual humility—giving thanks for the past year and praying for blessings ahead,” said Projosuwasono, as quoted by antaranews.com

Though associated with the royal court, the event is community-driven and deeply rooted in Yogyakarta’s cultural identity. Some participants walked barefoot, honoring the ritual’s modest spirit.

Declared a national intangible cultural heritage in 2015, the tradition continues to inspire new generations. 

“I wanted to connect with my roots,” said Gabriel Maria Ana, 25. 

For others like student Wahyu Widiardana, it was a living classroom for cultural research.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)