Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta - Thursday, Pahing (January 16), the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate Palace held the Hajad Dalem Yasa Peksi Burak ceremony to commemorate the Isra’ Mi’raj of Prophet Muhammad SAW. The procession began early in the morning with the creation of the Peksi Burak in the Bangsal Sekar Kedhaton.

The creation of the Peksi Burak includes the Peksi Burak itself, the Fruit Tree, and the Flower Tree. “Peksi” means “bird,” while “Burak” refers to the mythical creature Buraq, believed to have carried Prophet Muhammad SAW to the seventh heaven. This Hajad Dalem is held once a year on the 27th of Rajab in the Javanese Hijri calendar.

The Peksi Burak is made from the peel of a Bali pomelo (Pomelo), arranged to resemble the shape of a bird. This Peksi Burak is placed on the Fruit Tree. The Fruit Tree consists of seven local fruits: salak, sawo, Malang apple, Bali pomelo, rambutan, mangosteen, and raja banana. The process of making the Peksi Burak is carried out exclusively by women. The fruit tree is made by the royal family and the inner court, while the flower tree is made by the female court attendants.

In Javanese, the number seven is “Pitu,” symbolizing “Pitulungan” or assistance. The king banana symbolizes Sultan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat as the protector of his people. Afterward, the fruit tree is adorned with a garland of jasmine, symbolizing purity.

Once assembled, specifically after the Ashar prayer, the fruit tree and flower tree are carried to the Gedhe Kauman Mosque. The Peksi Burak is brought out of the Palace through the Kamandungan Lor Hall, along Rotowijayan Street, and placed on the veranda of the Gedhe Mosque. It is accompanied by Suranata soldiers, Abdi Dalem Punakawan Kaji, and Kanca Abrit. Peksi Burak is blessed at the Great Mosque and then paraded back to the Palace through the Kamandungan Ler Gate.

The evening procession involves the recitation of the story of Prophet Muhammad SAW during the Isra and Mi’raj event. This event takes place on the veranda of the Great Mosque of Kauman in Yogyakarta. The Kiai Pengulu recites the text detailing these events. This procession is attended by Abdi Dalem Punokawan Kaji, Abdi Dalem Suranata, and the general public. The procession is conducted solemnly and concludes with the distribution of fruits to the Peksi Burak.

The lesson from the Isra and Mi’raj is the command to perform the five daily prayers, as experienced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Yasa Peksi Burak procession serves as a means of da’wah (proselytizing) carried out by the Yogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate. Through this procession, the community is encouraged to draw lessons from the Isra and Mi’raj event and the command to perform the five daily prayers for Muslim believers.

Travelers can witness the Rejeban Peksi Burak procession every Isra and Mi’raj. The procession, which is open to the public, consists of a parade from Bangsal Kamandungan Ler to the Gedhe Kauman Mosque. Additionally, travelers can also participate in the recitation of the account of Prophet Muhammad’s journey during the Isra and Mi’raj at the Gedhe Kauman Mosque.