REGIONAL NEWS
As the celebration of Galungan Sacred Day approaches, the Hindu community in Karang Endah Village, Terbanggi Besar District, Central Lampung Regency, has intensified its preparations for the upcoming religious observances. These efforts were coordinated through a planning meeting held at Pura Tunjung Sweta on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by religious leaders, representatives of Hindu organizations, and local community members to ensure that all Galungan worship activities are conducted in orderly and proper solemnity.
Among those in attendance was I Ketut Ginada, a Hindu Religious Counselor from Central Lampung Regency, along with the leadership and members of the Karang Endah chapter of the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI) and members of the surrounding Hindu community.
The meeting focused on various technical aspects of the celebration, including committee assignments, the readiness of ceremonial facilities and equipment, temple cleanliness and arrangements, and strategies to encourage active participation from the wider community throughout the religious observance.
Early preparation was considered essential, given that Galungan is one of the most significant holy days in the Hindu calendar. Beyond commemorating the victory of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness), Galungan also serves as an opportunity to strengthen spiritual values, social solidarity, and devotion within the community.
Speaking during the meeting, I Ketut Ginada emphasized that the success of a religious celebration depends not only on ceremonial preparations but also on the active involvement and unity of the community.
“Galungan teaches the triumph of Dharma over Adharma. Therefore, these collective preparations are not merely about meeting the technical requirements of worship but also about strengthening brotherhood, mutual cooperation, and a spirit of togetherness among the community,” he said.
Ginada explained that the spirit of ngayah—selfless service—and mutual support that emerges ahead of the sacred day reflects the practical application of Hindu teachings and should continue to be nurtured. Working together and serving one another, he noted, are essential elements in maintaining harmony within the community.
“When community members participate in every stage of preparation, they are actually putting the values of Dharma into practice. This is what makes a religious celebration meaningful not only as a ritual observance but also as a force that strengthens the social and spiritual life of the community,” he added.
Discussing worship preparations, the meeting also served as a forum for community coordination to ensure that all logistical and organizational needs could be met effectively. Participants expressed a shared commitment to creating a prayer environment that is orderly, comfortable, and spiritually uplifting.
The active involvement of community members throughout the preparation process demonstrates that the values of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and ngayah remain deeply rooted within the Hindu community. These enduring traditions continue to play a vital role in preserving religious practices while fostering social harmony and unity among community members.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gede Dipayana
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
