The followers of an Islamic sect in Padang, western Sumatra, celebrated Aidilfitri Tuesday, two days earlier than the rest of Indonesia.

The followers of the tarikat naqsabandiyah sect ushered in 1 Syawal 1434 Hijrah last night with prayers at the Baitul Makmur surau in the sub-district of Pauh in Padang.

The followers, estimated to be more than 5,000 in Padang and the districts of Solok and Solok Selatan, performed Aidilfitri prayers Tuesday morning, local media reported.

Baitul Makmur surau secretary Edizon said the sect had set Aidilfitri for Aug 6 because the followers had begun the Ramadan fast on July 7.

Padang has more than 70 mosques and surau catering to these followers, and their centre of activity is the Baitul Makmur surau.