JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo sent his greetings to the Hindus in Indonesia who are observing the Day of Silence or locally known as Nyepi.
“In silence and solitude, we surrender ourselves. May we always be happy and have a peaceful heart. Happy Nyepi Day in 2023, Saka New Year 1945,” Jokowi wrote on the @jokowi Twitter handle on Wednesday, March 22.
Meanwhile, according to a press release from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Hindus across Indonesia are performing the Tawur Agung Kesanga ritual to welcome the Saka New Year 1945, which falls on March 22.
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This year’s ritual is taking place at the courtyard of the Prambanan Temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta, and is attended by thousands of Hindus from various regions in Indonesia.
The ritual begins with the reading of the holy scripture of the Vedas, followed by prayer, and ends with a combination of art, theatre, and dance titled Pengiring Yadnya Pamutering Giri Mandara.
The Hindu community will observe Catur Brata Penyepian. During the Day of Silence, all daily routines are paused for a moment, observing Amati Geni (not lighting a fire), Amati Karya (not working), Amati Lelungan (not traveling), and Amati Lelanguan (not indulging in entertainment or pleasure).
This year, the Catur Brata Penyepian coincides with the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
This article has been translated from Indonesian, partly with the help of an artificial intelligence tool.
(Writer: Dian Erika Nugraheny | Editor: Diamanty Meiliana)
