The Prambanan Padhang Bulan Ramayana Ballet Presents the Magical Atmosphere of the Full Moon and Sacred Javanese Culture

The full moon's rays illuminate the majestic Prambanan Temple, framing the legendary love story of Rama and Shinta in the Prambanan Padhang Bulan Ramayana Ballet performance. Held during the full moon, this performance combines the beauty of performing arts, spirituality, and magical Javanese traditions.

The Ramayana Padhang Bulan Ballet will be performed regularly every month on the night of the full moon. This performance is a new flagship cultural offering from InJourney Destination Management's Theater and Performance unit. This performance is more than just a performance, but a contemplative cultural experience steeped in meaning and Javanese aesthetics.

GM of Theater and Performance Esti Wahyujati said that to support a memorable experience, her team carefully and meticulously created an atmosphere that supported this performance, such as lighting, welcoming dancers, culinary delights of ndalu snacks, moco weton and others.

"This performance is designed with a natural atmosphere. During the performance, we prioritize moonlight lighting and minimize the use of spotlights. We create a serene, sacred atmosphere, while still providing the signature Ramayana entertainment," said Esti Wahyujati on Friday (July 11, 7).

The Padhang Bulan Ramayana Ballet performance differs from the regular Prambanan Ramayana performances. In addition to the natural lighting of the full moon, visitors are invited to participate in a cleansing procession before joining the procession to the performance area. This demonstrates respect for Javanese culture and philosophy.

The serene atmosphere is further enhanced by the presence of Jajanan Ndalu, a Javanese evening culinary offering featuring wedang ronde (a traditional Javanese drink made from fermented soybeans), mendoan (a type of fermented soybean cake), boiled sweet potato (cassava), and other traditional snacks. These dishes add a touch of ambiance and enhance the nighttime cultural experience in the Prambanan area.

One visitor, Felita from Semarang, said she was impressed with the concept. "I've seen it before, but this one feels even more magical because it's on a full moon. It sounds really exciting, not just magical, but also modern," she said enthusiastically.

Similarly, Magda from Yogyakarta recalled her childhood experience watching the Ramayana. "I remember being taken to the Ramayana when I was little, especially with my school friends. Now I'm given... experience especially when the moon is bright, vibes"It feels even more real, there's a mystical feel to it," he said.

Esti Wahyujati hopes that the Ramayana Padhang Bulan performance will not only be a unique nighttime tourist attraction, enriching the tourist experience in Prambanan, but also become a celebration of a rich and valuable cultural heritage. 

"The revival of this tradition, which was held several decades ago, is expected to be loved by both domestic and international tourists and strengthen Prambanan's position as a world-class cultural destination. Hopefully, this performance will shine a new light on our arts and cultural scene," he concluded.