Jakarta, Jan. 22 -- The Jakarta Provincial government is, this year, celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year for the first time by organizing three weeks of festivities in the country's capital Jakarta. The events that include the classic Barongsai lion dances, traditional Potehi puppet show and food festivals at several touristy Chinatowns, were launched on January 15, are scheduled to end on February 9, the Jakarta Mental and Spiritual Bureau Office's chief, Hendra Hidayat said in Jakarta, Wednesday.

After days of festivities welcoming the Year of the Rat, the "Festival Pecinan Cap Go Meh" on February 8 will mark the last day of Lunar New Year or popular as Cap Go Meh.

The celebrations will take place in Jakarta's Chinatowns, including...