Quiet reigns in Bali on Day of Silence

JAKARTA (JP): Hush descended upon Bali yesterday as the faithful residents of the island observed Nyepi, the Hindu day of silence.

The usually bustling streets of Denpasar, the provincial capital, were almost deserted as residents stayed at home and avoided their usual activities.

Nyepi commemorates the 1920 Saka new year and is a day of purification.

Hindus are urged to obey four dictums: refrain from work, travel, overly frivolous activities and do not light fires.

Even the tourist spots of Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua were quiet yesterday, in departure from their usually busy routine.

Traditional peacekeepers, or Pecalang, were seen wearing black and stopping people indulging in activities considered disrespectful on this solemn day.

"There's no discrimination. Residents, domestic and foreign tourists alike must respect this tradition if they come here," peacekeeper Nyoman Muditha was quoted by Antara as saying.

The district chief of Kuta, Ida Bagus Manu Manuaba, said those found violating the tradition were taken to the local police station.

"We first try and explain to people, including tourists, as best as possible. Those who know of the tradition and intentionally violate it are then taken to the local police station," he said.

New arrivals at Nugurah Rai airport yesterday were either taken by travel agents directly to hotels or asked to stay at the airport.

Earlier in the morning, thousands of Hindus gathered at large temples on the island to perform the Tawur Kesanga ceremony.

At the famed Prambanan Temple near Yogyakarta, almost 20,000 Hindus from Central Java gathered to perform the Tawur Agung ceremony, also in observance of Neypi.

The ceremony is a form of spiritual purification to harmonize the universe. (mds)