JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 28 -- The vibrant streets and bustling shopping malls of Jakarta have come alive with traditional music and dragon puppet dances as Indonesia prepares to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Communities across Asia will mark the Lunar New Year on January 29, with 2025 being the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. Festivities, including fireworks and parades, aim to dispel misfortune and invite prosperity.

In Indonesia, home to millions of people with Chinese heritage, crowds gathered to enjoy performances featuring traditional dragon and lion puppets. These intricate creations, some as long as 65 feet (20 meters), are operated by groups of performers walking underneath interconnected sections, with drumm...