Celebrating Galungan in Diversity: Harmony at Harapan Bangsa School

On Wednesday, April 30, 2024, the students of SMP and SMA Harapan Bangsa Modernhill celebrated Galungan Day as part of embracing the school’s core values: Knowledge, Faith, and Character.

This year’s celebration carried the theme “Interpreting Galungan Day in Religious Diversity,” aiming to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, brotherhood, and harmony among different religious communities within the school environment.

The series of events was both solemn and joyful, beginning with an opening prayer, the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, and a welcoming speech by the Head of School. The celebration continued with the chanting of sacred Vedic scriptures, a heartfelt Galungan message delivered by Mr. Wayan Tantra Awiana, S. Sos., M.I. Kom., and a variety of traditional Balinese dance performances and Hindu devotional songs presented by students and teachers.

In the Galungan message, it was emphasized that Galungan is not merely a celebration, but a moment to strengthen the values of righteousness (dharma), to distance oneself from evil (adharma), and to improve oneself through the discipline of thought, word, and action.

The celebration also served as a platform to cultivate social values. Through a fundraising effort, a total donation of Rp 8,750,000 was collected and distributed to Yayasan Yatim Piatu Anatha Nusantara, located at Jl. KH Rafei No. 1A, Nagrak, Gunung Putri, Bogor. The donation was personally delivered by Hindu students and teachers as part of a social outreach program called “Faith Journey.”

With the blessings and divine light of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the entire series of events proceeded smoothly, joyfully, and meaningfully. May the spirit of Galungan continue to live within each student — inspiring them to become individuals of honesty, strong character, and the ability to live harmoniously in diversity.