By: Rafida Putri Aulia & Sahlah Haris
Bekasi, 18 July 2023 - The Muslim community in Bintara, West Bekasi celebrates the Islamic New Year or also known as the "Hijri New Year", with joy and sincerity through a series of meaningful traditions. The streets are filled with spiritual enthusiasm as the evening event begins with prayers and an enchanting torch parade.
The Muslim community in Bekasi has a strong tradition of commemorating the Islamic New Year, and Bintara Village is no exception. As the days approach the New Year, excitement among the residents grows, and preparations for the celebration have started.
The highlight of the celebration is the recitation, a traditional religious gathering where people come together to recite prayers and supplications, seeking blessings for the upcoming year.Â
The recitation takes place at the end of the afternoon prayer (Ashar), with community members gathering in mosques or musholla in each neighborhood in the village. Led by respected scholars and religious leaders, including Ustadz Sayadi, the Muslim community gathers to express gratitude for the past year and seek guidance from Allah for the year to come.
The spirit of unity and celebration continues with a unique and lively torch parade known as the "Pawai Obor". The uniqueness of the torch parades in Bekasi, specifically in the Bintara Village, is that they celebrate it by parading around the village using pick-up trucks as their guide on the road.
This joyful parade is attended by children, adults, and the elderly, adding a charming touch to the festivities. After the evening prayer (Isha), as the night sky sparkles with stars, the torch parade begins its journey around the village. In togetherness, Ustadz Fauzan Baihaqi and supported by Ustadz Asmuni, the children carrying torches illuminate the path with flickering flames.
"I loved walking in the torch parade with my family and friends," said Amir [25], one of the villagers who attend the Pawai Obor. "It felt like we were spreading positivity and light throughout the city, and it brought us all closer together."
The parade follows a route around the village, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the Hadroh music in pick-up trucks. Heartfelt chants and joyful melodies create an atmosphere of celebration and spirituality. The parade route starts from the front of Musholla Arrahim, goes through the entire village, and concludes back at the starting point. Throughout the journey, participants express their gratitude and devotion, thanking Allah for the blessings of the past year and seeking His goodness for the future.
"The Islamic New Year celebration in Bintara is not just a moment of happiness, but also a beautiful expression of faith, unity, and gratitude among the Muslim community in the village," said Ustadz Sayadi, a religious leader in Bintara Village.
In general, Muslim communities in Indonesia celebrate the moment of the Islamic New Year through religious gatherings (recitation) and torch parades. Even though this event is not limited to Bekasi City alone but the enthusiasm of Bekasi people can be said bigger among the Jabodetabek. The beauty and togetherness of this unique tradition reflect the spirit of unity and happiness among the Muslim community in welcoming the Islamic New Year in Indonesia.
