PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - ahead of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, the Bandung City Regional Government (Pemda) held a gathering with Confucian followers at the Bandung City Hall, Wednesday (22/1/2025).

Through this gathering, Confucians appreciate the Bandung City Government which always tries to embrace all groups.

"We as Confucians are proud to be invited by the Bandung City Government to this Pendopo in order to gather and prepare for the Chinese New Year celebration," said the Chairman of the Indonesian Confucian Religious Council of Bandung City, Din Bijaksana.

As a representative of Confucianism, Din feels proud to be able to attend the commemoration of Chinese New Year in the city of Bandung.

"Thank you to the mayor and staff. This is a source of pride, this is an award that we are present together as proof that we have high tolerance," he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Mayor of Bandung A. Koswara said that the celebration of Chinese New Year and other big days brings happiness to the community. With various culinary delights and performances being performed, it becomes an interesting characteristic.

"There are red envelopes, basket cakes and even lion dance. Chinese New Year is already very well known and popular, it brings joy to all of us," said Koswara.

He said, during the commemoration of religious holidays, the city of Bandung was safe, comfortable and conducive.

"In Bandung City, we should be grateful, the conditions are safe and conducive to all types of religious celebrations. We are grateful that Bandung has a very tolerant climate for all existing religions," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bandung City Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Ahmad Suherman, expressed his gratitude to the Bandung City Government for inviting him to the gathering.

"Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated moments. Because this celebration is expected to bring good luck, filled with interesting activities to gather with family," he said.

He said that Chinese New Year celebrations are synonymous with the color red, because it contains lucky food.

"So the decision is that the color red has the meaning of luck, a firm impression, self-confidence and nobility," he said.

In 2025, the Chinese New Year of 2576 Kongzili will fall on January 29, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, it will be a year of the snake with the wood element.

Chinese New Year 2025 is the year of the snake with the wood element that carries a deep meaning of wisdom, creativity, and harmony. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Revo)