Balinese Hindus observe Siwa Ratri

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Balinese Hindus stayed up all night and read prayers on Tuesday to celebrate the Siwa Ratri night, a time to reflect on what they have done.

The annual celebration was centralized this year at the Besakih Temple, Karangasem, which is believed to be the mother of all temples in Bali.

At least 50 priests and high priests from all Bali's temples joined the event, which consisted of three parts, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, at midnight and at 4:00 a.m. on Friday.

Bali Governor Dewa Beratha handed over a sacred offering to the priests at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Siwaratri night literary means the night of Shiva. (zen/sur)