Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat presents Bedhaya Bontit
© Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat
Bedhaya Bontit is the Yasan Dalem or creation of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII (1921-1939). Created in 1925 Bedhaya Bontit does not have a particular or special position or role in sacred rituals. The dancers are also not required to carry out prescribed ceremonies of the type required for the sacred bedhaya dances of the Keraton Yogyakarta. Dancers who are menstruating are also permitted to perform this dance.
Writings regarding the Bedhaya Bontit are inscribed in the manuscript “Kagungan Dalem Serat Kandha Bedhaya Srimpi” with the code BS 09: 12. This manuscript is presently stored in the Library Kawedanan Kridhamardawa Keraton Yogyakarta.
Watch Bedhaya Bontit
This dance mirrors the Mahabharata epic and portrays the competition between Raden Permadi (Raden Harjuna) with Raden Suryatmaja (Adipati Karna) in the palace of Mandaraka as they vie for the hand of Dewi Surtikanthi. As the story goes, Prabu Duryudana from the kingdom of Ngastina requested the hand of Dewi Surtikanthi, the princess of Prabu Salya of the kingdom of Mandaraka. Dewi Surtikanthi agreed to this proposal on the condition that she be dressed and made up for the wedding by Raden Permadi on the marriage day. This condition was agreed to.
When he came to dress and prepare Dewi Surtikanthi, Raden Permadi noticed the presence of Raden Suryatmaja, who was hiding nearby. So it came to pass that Raden Permadi became aware of Raden Suryatmaja's affection for Dewi Surtikanthi. The two warriors engaged in combat, and Raden Permadi emerged the winner, or in another version, they fought to a tie. However, it became clear that Dewi Surtikanthi had the same romantic feelings for Raden Suryatmaja. The two of them then asked the assistance of Raden Permadi to petition Prabu Salya for his approval of their union. Because of this story, the Bedhaya Bontit is also known as the Bedhaya Suryatmaja Krama.
