Local organizers are set to light up Singkawang city in West Kalimantan for Cap Go Meh, a traditional Chinese event which celebrates the 15th day of Chinese New Year, on Saturday evening.
"The lanterns will be placed all over the city, from the center of the town to the outskirts. The most lanterns, however, will be placed in the city's business center district," secretary of the organizing committee, Bong Ci Nen, said as quoted by state news agency Antara on Saturday. The lanterns are set to break the record for most lanterns lit at one time. The Indonesian Museum of Records is ready to recognize the feat. Bong said the lanterns were provided by the committee and citizens alike. "We provided 3,888 lanterns, but thanks to the city's residents we now have six thousand," Bong said. The committee will also hold a parade of lanterns across the down town area. Cap Go Meh celebrations have their roots in southern China, from where most Chinese Indonesians came from. In southern Chinese culture it is believed that the gods come out of the heavens on the 15th day of the year to grant wishes and spread good luck. (dre) Source : The Jakarta Post , Jakarta http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/02/07/six-thousand-lanterns-light-singkawang-cap-go-meh-celebrations.html
