Indonesia: A Month of Festive

This year, August is a month full of celebrations here !

a cloudy morning in Sanur beach, Bali

Started with Indonesia Independence Day on 17 August. This is the 67th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence in 1945. The red and white flag (Indonesian national flag) were raised everywhere, ceremony were held in every schools and offices and neighbourhoods gear up some fun games. One of the most popular is "Panjat Pinang" means pole climbing. The pole is greased with mixture of oil and clay and at the top are hung varies prize such as bike, television and etc. Lots of people would try to climb over each other and struggling to reach the prize. It's so fun to watch !

the Blue Mosque, Istanbul - Turkey

Followed by the Eid-ul-Fitr on 19 August, to celebrate the end of Ramadan (a month of fasting). Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia, so it's one of the biggest celebration every year. Families begin this Eid morning with a special Prayer also known as Eid Prayer. People distribute sweets and children wear new clothes on this great Muslim festival known as Eid.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali

And today here in Bali, the Hindu people are celebrating Galungan, the celebration of the dominance of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). Every 210 days the Balinese people decorate their streets with ornate penjor - bamboo poles weighed down by offerings suspended at the end, and visit their special temples to celebrate Galungan and Kuningan.

Indonesia is known for its rich cultural diversity, with over 300 ethnic languages, each with its own cultural traditions, including musical and dance. There are 6 official religions in Indonesia; Islam, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Buddha and Confucius . I have a lot of friends with different religion and different ethnic group from me, therefore I feel lucky to experience some of celebrations . Despite all the political problems in Indonesia, I'm proud to be born in this beautiful country, as an Indonesian :)