Most of the nation’s Muslims observed Takbiran, or the eve of Idul Fitri and the end of the Ramadhan fasting month, on Aug. 7. As always, Takbiran was celebrated joyously throughout the archipelago, as people assembled at mosques to chant “God is great” together, while others took to the streets to set off fireworks or to pound drums through the evening and into the night.

The celebrations were perhaps more subdued this year, as Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo — citing safety concerns — ordered a halt to one of the more rambunctious observations of Takbiran: the usual procession of vehicles crammed full of exuberant young men. Joko broke with another tradition, as well, declining to hold an open house on the fi rst day of Idul Fitri, instead visiting people in the city’s five municipalities. The streets of the capital are still empty, as fi ve million or so residents have yet to return from their mudik (exodus). However, as the pictures on this page indicate, the celebrations of Idul Fitri – and the good feelings of the holy day – were felt across the country.

Holiday treat: A vendor assembles the packages for ketupat (rice cakes) at the Jatinegara market in East Jakarta on Thursday. Ketupat – containing flavored rice packed a inside woven palm leaf pouch – are a traditional Lebaran delicacy. (JP/Nurhayati)

Let’s get the party started: Residents light fi reworks and sound gongs on Jl. Tambak in Central Jakarta in a more rambunctious celebration of Takbiran. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)

Movin’ on: People sit in the back of a truck on the way to Idul Fitri prayers in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Thursday. (JP/Indra Harsaputra)

No peeking: A little girls peers our from a line of women engaged in IdulFitri prayers at Baitul Kabir Masjid in Gunung Putri in Bogor, West Java onAug. 8. (JP/P.J. Leo)

Remembering: Surasa and his children and grandchildren sit by the ongoing Sidoharjo mud flow in East Java on Wednesday. The 78-year-old, himself displaced by the mudfl ow, makes it a point to return to the site during Lebaran to offer prayers for those afflicted by the calamity. (JP/Tarko Sudiarno)

Most of the nation'€™s Muslims observed Takbiran, or the eve of Idul Fitri and the end of the Ramadhan fasting month, on Aug. 7. As always, Takbiran was celebrated joyously throughout the archipelago, as people assembled at mosques to chant '€œGod is great'€ together, while others took to the streets to set off fireworks or to pound drums through the evening and into the night.

The celebrations were perhaps more subdued this year, as Jakarta Governor Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo '€” citing safety concerns '€” ordered a halt to one of the more rambunctious observations of Takbiran: the usual procession of vehicles crammed full of exuberant young men. Joko broke with another tradition, as well, declining to hold an open house on the fi rst day of Idul Fitri, instead visiting people in the city'€™s five municipalities. The streets of the capital are still empty, as fi ve million or so residents have yet to return from their mudik (exodus). However, as the pictures on this page indicate, the celebrations of Idul Fitri '€“ and the good feelings of the holy day '€“ were felt across the country.