Quiet reigns in Bali on Day of Silence<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Hush descended upon Bali yesterday as the
\nfaithful residents of the island observed Nyepi, the Hindu day of
\nsilence.<\/p>\n
The usually bustling streets of Denpasar, the provincial
\ncapital, were almost deserted as residents stayed at home and
\navoided their usual activities.<\/p>\n
Nyepi commemorates the 1920 Saka new year and is a day of
\npurification.<\/p>\n
Hindus are urged to obey four dictums: refrain from work,
\ntravel, overly frivolous activities and do not light fires.<\/p>\n
Even the tourist spots of Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua were quiet
\nyesterday, in departure from their usually busy routine.<\/p>\n
Traditional peacekeepers, or Pecalang, were seen wearing black
\nand stopping people indulging in activities considered
\ndisrespectful on this solemn day.<\/p>\n
\"There's no discrimination. Residents, domestic and foreign
\ntourists alike must respect this tradition if they come here,\"
\npeacekeeper Nyoman Muditha was quoted by Antara as saying.<\/p>\n
The district chief of Kuta, Ida Bagus Manu Manuaba, said those
\nfound violating the tradition were taken to the local police
\nstation.<\/p>\n
\"We first try and explain to people, including tourists, as
\nbest as possible. Those who know of the tradition and
\nintentionally violate it are then taken to the local police
\nstation,\" he said.<\/p>\n
New arrivals at Nugurah Rai airport yesterday were either
\ntaken by travel agents directly to hotels or asked to stay at the
\nairport.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the morning, thousands of Hindus gathered at large
\ntemples on the island to perform the Tawur Kesanga ceremony.<\/p>\n
At the famed Prambanan Temple near Yogyakarta, almost 20,000
\nHindus from Central Java gathered to perform the Tawur Agung
\nceremony, also in observance of Neypi.<\/p>\n
The ceremony is a form of spiritual purification to harmonize
\nthe universe. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/quiet-reigns-in-bali-on-day-of-silence-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}