Sunday, November 29, 2009

Hari Raya Haji - 27 Nov 09

Family Auto Venture . After Bali, we settled into Solo ( Surakarta ) and rested for 2 full days. We then decided to go slow and discover Solo and its neighbouring cities , towns and attractions with no definite plans - at a pace according to when we decide to wake up and whether our bodies are willing to move on, taking into consideration young Patrice ability to take the knocks.

Connie's Toyota Fortuna was enough to take 5 people and with our maps and GPS we set off on Hari Raya Haji with a very different note. Visit the kampongs and see for ourselves how they celebrates their offerings together as " ONE COMMUNITY ". Then to visit the Royal Graveyards and that of the Late President Soeharto and Ibu Tien Soeharto


We started from Solo Baru and took some pictures on the statues which are displayed at round-abouts. Something which is a common sight in most towns and cities in Indonesia. So far Bali statues, Solo statues and the landscape of Probolingo edged in my memories of good handicrafts and proud heritage of their history and culture. House Proud !!



Hari Raya Haji. Muslim customs has it that on this day, they will slaughter goats and sheep and offer it for prayers. The rich will contribute more and the meats will then be shared by every villager. Pic below shows kampong ( villagers ) folks gathering together in joyful spirit - the boys washing the carcase in the streams, the men cut up the goats and the women folks chopping them into pieces so that everyone will have a share of the meat.



When I offered to take their photographs, it was all smile from all quarters. What a wonderful experience to see such joy in communities that are not so well off !!



Astana Girilayu is located at the top of the mountain at Karanganyar. The number 4th Sultan of Solo, apparently the richest among the 8 Sultans rest in this peaceful environment with the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Sultan. Each of their tomb has their own design and the caretaker is more than willing to share his knowledge of the place and the history of the Solo Sultanate. See pic below:



These tombs are the Royal tombs of my brother-in-law Pak KRMH Daradjadi's great grand parents , Mangkunegoron the 4th King of Mangkunegaran and Pak KTH Gondo Seputro.


ASTANA GIRIBANGUN. The remains of the late President Soeharto and Ibu Tien Soeharto together with their parents is a peaceful place for many who also go to the adjacent mosque to pray. On this visit there were large crowds paying their respect at this peaceful mountain monument at Karanganyar , about 40km from SOLO




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