Gamelan ending performances or ceremonies. When an "ending" piece (such as "Udan Mas") is begun, the audience will know that the event is nearly finished and will begin to leave. Certain pieces are also believed to possess magic powers, and can be used to ward off evil spirits. Gamelan is frequently played on the radio. For example, the "Pura Pakualaman" gamelan performs live on the radio every "Minggu Pon" (a day in the 35-day cycle of the Javanese calendar). In major towns, the Radio Republik Indonesia employs professional musicians and actors, and broadcast programs of a wide variety of gamelan music
Gamelan Sekaten Gamelan Sekaten The Gamelan Sekaten (or Sekati) is a ceremonial gamelan (musical ensemble) from central Java, Indonesia, played during the annual "Sekaten" festival. The word ""sekaten"" itself is derived from "syahadatain" or "shahada", the first requirement for converting into Islamic faith. Traditionally it is played once per year, on the occasion of "Mawlid", Muhammad's birthday, for the week from the 6-12 of the month of "Mulud" (the third month of the Javanese calendar, corresponding to the Islamic "Rabi' al-awwal"). On this celebration it is brought from the palace at 11 pm to two pavilions before the Great Mosque. It is