A Nyepi cultural parade in central Jakarta drew thousands of participants and spectators, with city officials saying the celebration strengthened religious tolerance and harmony in the Indonesian capital’s diverse society.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said the event was part of efforts to promote mutual respect among different religious communities in the city.

“This event is part of efforts to enhance harmony and tolerance among religious groups in Jakarta’s diverse society,” Rano said during the celebration on Sunday.

The event featured a cultural parade and ogoh-ogoh statues to mark the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi, which celebrates the Saka New Year 1948.

Rano attended the event together with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, who has supported broader public celebrations of religious and cultural traditions in the capital.

The parade started from National Monument and ended at Bundaran HI, a major public landmark in central Jakarta.

According to Rano, the procession not only carried spiritual meaning for the Hindu community but also reflected Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions.

Around 2,000 participants took part in the parade, which featured between 13 and 15 ogoh-ogoh statues.

The statues, often large and colorful, symbolize negative human traits that must be cleansed before the observance of Nyepi.

The parade drew attention from residents and visitors who gathered along the route to watch the cultural performance.

Rano said the event was expected to provide entertainment for the public while encouraging appreciation for Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

“We wish a Happy Nyepi to Hindus in Jakarta and across Indonesia. May this celebration bring peace, serve as a moment of reflection and strengthen unity in Jakarta,” he said.

Earlier, Pramono said the city government wanted to create more space for religious communities to celebrate important traditions openly in the capital.

He noted that the ogoh-ogoh parade at Bundaran HI was one of the initiatives aimed at promoting inclusiveness in Jakarta.

“For the first time, Bundaran HI will also be decorated with penjor, a tall bamboo pole decorated with coconut leaves, agricultural produce and traditional cloth,” Pramono said on Saturday.

He added that the decorations would highlight Balinese Hindu cultural traditions while welcoming Nyepi celebrations in the city.

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