Chinese New Year: Boen Tek Bio Temple in Tangerang Visited by Thousands of Worshippers
Tangerang (ANTARA) — The Boen Tek Bio Temple in Tangerang, Banten, was visited by thousands of worshippers during the Chinese New Year celebrations from 16 to 17 February 2026, as congregants performed prayers and worship rituals.
"They came in succession to offer prayers in accordance with tradition, from burning incense sticks (hio), prostrating before Tian, Buddha, and the various deities venerated within the temple," said Boen Tek Bio Temple spokesman Soey Hong in a statement in Tangerang on Tuesday.
The worship rituals began with prayers using incense as a symbol of reverence and the conveying of supplications. Afterwards, worshippers prostrated and prayed at several altars in sequence, starting from the Almighty God, Buddha, and then the other deities, numbering approximately 15 statues in total.
"The content of prayers usually varies. Young people typically pray about finding a partner, whilst business owners ask for smooth-running enterprises. There are no fixed prayers — everything is tailored to each person's needs and hopes," he explained.
He said the Year of the Fire Horse is interpreted as a year full of challenges. Fire meeting fire means one must exercise greater caution in conduct and in navigating life. For this reason, the faithful are encouraged to worship more diligently and take care of themselves.
The Year of the Fire Horse, he added, is also believed to bring a spirit of competition in business. Fortune is thought to favour those who work swiftly, professionally, and diligently in their respective fields.
Worship activities are expected to continue until the third day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The festivities will subsequently conclude with the Cap Go Meh tradition, held a fortnight after Chinese New Year.
During this Chinese New Year period, worshippers also expressed their hope that harmonious relations with the surrounding community would continue to be maintained. Inter-faith harmony and togetherness among residents from diverse backgrounds are considered key to creating a peaceful atmosphere in Tangerang.
"They came in succession to offer prayers in accordance with tradition, from burning incense sticks (hio), prostrating before Tian, Buddha, and the various deities venerated within the temple," said Boen Tek Bio Temple spokesman Soey Hong in a statement in Tangerang on Tuesday.
The worship rituals began with prayers using incense as a symbol of reverence and the conveying of supplications. Afterwards, worshippers prostrated and prayed at several altars in sequence, starting from the Almighty God, Buddha, and then the other deities, numbering approximately 15 statues in total.
"The content of prayers usually varies. Young people typically pray about finding a partner, whilst business owners ask for smooth-running enterprises. There are no fixed prayers — everything is tailored to each person's needs and hopes," he explained.
He said the Year of the Fire Horse is interpreted as a year full of challenges. Fire meeting fire means one must exercise greater caution in conduct and in navigating life. For this reason, the faithful are encouraged to worship more diligently and take care of themselves.
The Year of the Fire Horse, he added, is also believed to bring a spirit of competition in business. Fortune is thought to favour those who work swiftly, professionally, and diligently in their respective fields.
Worship activities are expected to continue until the third day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The festivities will subsequently conclude with the Cap Go Meh tradition, held a fortnight after Chinese New Year.
During this Chinese New Year period, worshippers also expressed their hope that harmonious relations with the surrounding community would continue to be maintained. Inter-faith harmony and togetherness among residents from diverse backgrounds are considered key to creating a peaceful atmosphere in Tangerang.