"In this serene and quiet moment, we are giving ourselves. May happiness and peace always be with all of us," President Jokowi stated on his official account on Instagram @jokowi, monitored online in Jakarta, Wednesday.
In his post, the head of state uploaded a picture reflecting the essence of the Silence Day celebrations and bearing the words: Happy Nyepi Day of Saka New Year 1945.
Earlier, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stated that the celebration of Nyepi Day offers a momentum to contemplate and self-reflect regarding the ways of life followed in the previous years.
"This holy day implies mulat sarira and self-control. This indicates that we are reminded by rulers of the universe to always maintain behavior, so that it remains under control according to the teachings of each religion," Qoumas noted in a written statement received in Jakarta, Tuesday (Mar 21).
Hindus across Indonesia follow the Tawur Agung Kesanga ritual to welcome the 1945 Saka New Year today that falls on March 22 this year. The 2023 National Tawur Agung ritual takes place in the courtyard of Prambanan Temple, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
The 2023 National Tawur Agung Kesanga ritual begins with the reading of Vedic scriptures, praying, and concludes with the performance of the dance drama Sendratari Pengiring Yadnya Pamutering Giri Mandara.
Furthermore, Hindus will perform the Catur Brata Penyepian. On the Holy Day of Nyepi, all routines of life are put on hold for a while by observing the ritual of Amati Geni, or not lighting a fire; Amati Karya, or not working; Amati Lelungan, or not traveling; and Amati Lelanguan, or avoiding entertainment or fun.
By performing Catur Brata Penyepian, Qoumas is optimistic that Hindus would be able to continue to improve their quality of life in human relations with God, fellow children of the nation, and the environment.
"This is an effort, so that we can become Indonesian people, who have integrity, work hard, and have a spirit of mutual cooperation," he affirmed.
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Translator: Indra Arief, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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