Hundreds of residents of Jebres in Surakarta, Central Java, gathered for the Umbul Mantram ritual, which symbolizes the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebration, locally known as Imlek.

The procession began in the subdistrict of Sudiroprajan with a gunungan (cone-shaped offering) parade of fruits and vegetables. Residents walked for around 2 kilometers while carrying 17 spears and keris (traditional daggers), including the famous Kyai Ageng Sudiroprajan spear.

“The Umbul Mantram ritual expresses our gratitude to God, while praying for our families. We have held this tradition from generation to generation. The biggest Imlek celebration in Solo is Grebeg Sudiro,” said the parade’s leader, Empu Basuki Teguh Yuwono, referring to Surakarta by its other name, Solo.

At the Sudiroprajan subdistrict office, the entourage was welcomed with dances and Javanese poems.

The Kyai Ageng Sudiroprajan spear was handed over to local leader Empu Basuki.

Jebres district head Tamso said the Umbul Mantram event was a symbol of unity in diversity in Surakarta.

The Umbul Mantram, he added, aimed to strengthen harmony among the local people of Javanese, Chinese, Arabic and Indian origin.

“If you want to see the real diversity, you can see it through the Umbul Mantram. Many people from various backgrounds and religions attend the celebration,” Tamso added.

The closing ceremony of the event was marked with the release of dozens of chicken and ducks by elderly residents and prayers by religious leaders representing five religions, namely Islam, Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism and Konghucu.

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