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hinese-Indonesians in Palembang, South Sumatra,are flocking to Talang Kerikil Cemeteryfor the Cheng Beng ritual to honor their ancestors.

"The ritual [this year] has been held since March 30 and will last until April 5, which will be the peak of activities," Muslan Aliang, a local ChengBeng committee member, said onWednesday as quoted by Antara news agency.

During Cheng Beng, also known as Qing Ming in Mandarin, people pay their respectsto their forefathers by cleaning their graves and making offerings, usually thefavorite food of the deceased, and burning incense.

Those participating in the ritual can also ask for blessings for better andhappier lives for their children and grandchildren.

The ritual is also an opportunity for those of Chinese descent to offer theirservices and acts of virtue to their ancestors to enable them to be at peace inthe afterlife. It also functions as an opportunity for family reunions.

Those marking Cheng Beng come not only from Palembang but also from various regions, includingJakarta, Medanand Surabaya, with some coming from other countrieslike Singapore.(yln)