Samarinda (ANTARA) - The management of the Thien Ie Kong Temple in\nSamarinda, East Kalimantan, has decided to adjust the schedule of the\nbarongsai (lion dance) performance at the peak of the 2026 Cap Go Meh\ncelebrations to daytime hours, out of respect for residents observing\nevening worship during the Ramadan fasting month.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe as fellow people of faith practise mutual tolerance, so\nactivities are arranged so as not to disturb those who are fasting,\u201d\nsaid Hansen, a member of the Thien Ie Kong Temple management, in\nSamarinda on Monday.<\/p>\n
According to him, the decision to shift the performance time was\ntaken because this year\u2019s Lunar New Year celebrations coincide with the\nholy month of Ramadan, which is expected to commence from 18\nFebruary.<\/p>\n
The barongsai performance, which is usually held in a lively evening\nevent in the temple\u2019s rear courtyard, has now been rescheduled to\nconclude by the time of breaking fast, or Maghrib prayer.<\/p>\n
The temple management is continuing to coordinate with the Indonesian\nBarongsai Sports Federation (FOBI) regarding the technical details of\nthe performance to ensure it proceeds with due solemnity.<\/p>\n
Regarding the physical preparations at the oldest temple in East\nKalimantan, which has now reached 121 years of age, the iconic building\non the corner of Jalan Yos Sudarso has been adorned with incense to\nwelcome thousands of worshippers.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreparations including cleaning and repainting of the building have\nbeen accelerated by the management since 5 January 2026 for the comfort\nof visitors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hansen detailed that the cleaning of the 11 deity statues, along with\nthe replacement of their ceremonial garments, was completed on 25\nJanuary 2026.<\/p>\n
Room decorations have also been enhanced with the addition of\nimitation cherry blossom trees and the installation of approximately 200\nlanterns or tenglongs hanging neatly throughout.<\/p>\n
The Chinese New Year 2577 Kongzili, falling on 17 February 2026,\nmarks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolising dynamic\nmovement and renewal of the times.<\/p>\n
Special horse zodiac ornaments have also been added to the main hall\nto reinforce the symbol of hope for those who are able to adapt to\nchange.<\/p>\n
The management predicts that visitor numbers to the place of worship\nwill surge dramatically, reaching up to 6,000 people during the\ncelebration period.<\/p>\n
These visitors are expected not only from the city of Samarinda but\nalso from Balikpapan and various other surrounding areas.<\/p>\n
The main prayer schedule begins on 16 February from 20:00 to 24:00\nWITA and continues on 17 February from 07:00 WITA onwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe general public is welcome to visit to experience the cultural\natmosphere and take photographs to enliven the celebrations,\u201d said\nHansen.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/respecting-fasting-muslims-samarinda-cap-go-meh-celebrations-moved-to-daytime-1771296577", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }