HINDU COMMUNITY SOLEMNLY OBSERVES DAY OF SECLUSION

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, March 28 (Antara) - Followers of Hinduism in Indonesia abandoned their routine activities and solemnly observed the Hindu Day of Seclusion on Tuesday to welcome the Saka New Year 1939.          For instance, in Jakarta, members of the Hindu community visited shrines and were seen deeply engrossed in offering prayers in silence at the Rawamangung's Pura Aditya Jaya shrine in East Jakarta. All corners of the shrine were decorated in white and yellow colors.          Clad in Balinese traditional attire, devout Hindus who just arrived at the shrine directly knelt down, bowing their heads, joining their hands, and raising them while offering prayers.          Solitude is the dominant nuance in observing the day of seclusion. Thus, some Hindus visiting the shrine laid prostrate or encircled the shrine while reading a book.          Indeed, quietness is the essence of the day of silence observed every year. This is in line with prohibitions that should be observed during the catur brata seclusion.          After a procession ritual, some approached the shrine to take rest, while others went to their homes along with family members.