Thousands pray for Jakarta's prosperity

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 06/23/2008 10:36 AM | City

Thousands of Jakartans donning white attire prayed at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta on Sunday to commemorate the capital's 481st anniversary.

Governor Fauzi Bowo, who attended the ceremony, said the prayers would bring blessings and peace to the city.

Thousands of people from throughout Greater Jakarta attended the mass prayers led by Ustadz (Islamic preacher) Arifin Ilham.

The visitors were told the dress code for the occasion was white attire. Those who failed to show up in white attire were told to sit at the periphery of the mosque.

The mass prayer's theme was: Praising God brings prosperity to Jakarta.

Although the prayers were scheduled to start after noon prayers at around 12:30 p.m., people had packed into the mosque since early morning.

Most of the worshipers came by bus or motorcycle. They also brought some traditional tambourines and performed several Islamic chants in Arabic in the mosque's yard.

Besides the mass prayer, other Jakartans celebrated the anniversary at the Batavia Arts Festival, organized by Jakarta History Museum at Fatahillah Square in West Jakarta. (uwi)

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