Those who succeed in being selected as exemplary persons are given an audience with the President in a celebration held at the Palace. The Proclamation of Independence Day is also commemorated and celebrated by Indonesian Embassies, Consulate Generals and abroad together with members of the Indonesian community. Major Religious Holidays Major celebrations with respect to other religions are commemorated by those who follow the religions concerned are proclaimed as National Holidays by the Government. The celebration marks the conclusion of a one-month fasting period which is religiously observed by all Moslems. The celebration follows general prayers at the Mosque after which people visit each other to pay respects and ask their elders and friends for forgiveness.
Special foods are prepared for the occasion and eaten in a communal meal.
Indonesians celebrate Eidil Fitri for two days as a national holidays. The Moslem Day of sacrifices, commemorated with mass prayers at mosque and in town square. Goats and cattle are slaughtered and the meat given to the poor and needy. The people of Yogyakarta and surroundings generally believe that those participating in the ceremonies commemorating the birth of the Prophet will be blessed with a good life and youthfulness. At intervals a sermon is given and verses of the Holy Qur'an script are recited.