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Indonesians are loving these portrayals of harmony as Muslims and Hindus celebrate religious holiday

• 13 April 2021
• Insight
• Denpasar

Netizenbali, Denpasar - Some lovely portrayals of inter-religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Bali are circulating widely on social media recently, with celebrations of Balinese holiday Galungan and the holy month of Ramadan coinciding this month. 

The Galungan holiday, which celebrates the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma), is a 10-day festival occurring every 210 days on the Balinese Saka calendar system, beginning tomorrow and closing on Kuningan on April 24. Meanwhile, the holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, began yesterday evening in Indonesia. 

Prayers, meals, and social gatherings are common ways to celebrate the two holidays. 

The photo is actually part of an ad campaign by local clothing brand Hanaka & Co. The campaign also comes with a video showing a Balinese Hindu man offering a ride to a Muslim man who is on his way to the mosque, posted with the caption: “Appreciating differences, forming togetherness. Because diversity is a beautiful thing and will provide goodness to us all.”

These posts are already being reshared by various community accounts, and even the precinct in Klungkung regency was among those who shared it on their page. People seem to appreciate the message of harmony behind them, even if it’s still part of marketing. 

“It gives me chills to see beautiful things like this,” one user commented on Instagram.

“The beauty of tolerance… even if this video was set-up… I hope it can be like that and all religions can live harmoniously side by side,” another said. 

This photo from user @aprileaan_ is also making its rounds on Instagram this week, depicting a similar sentiment of tolerance. 

Ramadan Kareem and Rahajeng rahina Galungan lan Kuningan to those of you who celebrate! (Coconuts.co)