CALENDAR OF EVENTS - DECEMBER 2012

DECEMBER 13TH – DARK MOON - TILEM KANEM
The Balinese adhering to the Hindu Dharma religion will celebrate 'Tilem' in temple ceremonies, which are mostly held in every major temple and family shrines around the island of Bali. On this day Hindus make offerings to the Gods, placed on the ground at the entrance of each housing compound. The aim is to beg God's grace; so that one's dark thoughts will be illuminated by Him.

DECEMBER 22ND – BALINESE BLESSING CEREMONY - HARI TUMPEK WAYANG
This auspicious day on the Balinese calendar is devoted to the worship of Sanghyang Iswara, Lord of Puppeteers. This holiday is the most important day for owners of leather puppets and puppeteers when they are taken from their box (keropak), and blessed. It is considered unlucky if a child were to be born on this day. Prayers will be held at the temples across the island.

DECEMBER 24TH– CHRISTMAS EVE
This is a fun night to be had, either intimately over a family Christmas dinner at many of the hotels, restaurants, resorts and private villas all ready to serve up traditional turkey or a Balinese 'bebek' (duck). Or kick your heels up with your friends for a wild night of dancing and parties at all the bars and clubs along the southern coast. Bali is a wonderful choice to welcome in Christmas in the tropics.

DECEMBER 25TH – CHRISTMAS DAY
This is a national holiday and is celebrated across the island in all hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs with special festivities programs. All banks and government offices will be closed.

DECEMBER 26TH – BOXING DAY
This traditional day after Christmas is spent relaxing and being with family and friends with good food. Many establishments around the island will also be offering Boxing Day specials.

DECEMBER 27TH – FULL MOON - PURNAMA KANEM
The full moon (which has particular importance to the Balinese Hindus) falls on this day and ceremonies are held throughout the Hindu temples all across Bali. The Balinese that adhere to the Hindu Dharma religion will take offerings of food, fruit and flowers to the temple to be blesses by the priest. The Balinese themselves are then blessed by performing various rituals using holy water, incense smoke, petals and rice grains.

DECEMBER 31ST – NEW YEARS EVE
This is a huge night on Bali with crowds gathering in the popular spots, especially in Kuta along the beach, so please keep some traffic delays in mind. It is probably best to catch a cab. Everyone everywhere will be waiting for the midnight countdown into 2013, so wherever you choose to celebrate, it will be for sure, a night to remember. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013.

Source: Baliplus.com