CALENDAR OF EVENTS - MARCH 2013

9TH MARCH - HARI RAYA MELASTI
Melasti Ceremony is always held three days before Nyepi and is aimed at cleansing all of nature in the ocean, or at other water sources if need be. Expect traffic delays.

11TH MARCH - HARI TAWAR AGUNG KESANGA
This is the day before Nyepi when at dusk the Ogoh-Ogoh parade is held throughout the villages to chase demons away from human life.

12TH MARCH - HARI RAYA NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR 1935
Nyepi is the Balinese New Year’s Day according to the lunar calendar and is honored through a ‘Day of Silence’ of obligatory fasting, inactivity, prayer, and quiet throughout the island lasting for 24 hours. Purification offerings are made in every village on the day before to appease evil spirits, and a lively parade of ‘Ogoh-Ogohs’ (demon effigies) are carried throughout village streets to the sound of loud banging and lit torches to chase off the evil spirits. The noise can carry on throughout the night until morning, when silence reigns in the hope that if the spirits return to Bali, they will find it uninhabited. Restrictions are; no lighting fires, or lights after dark, no working, entertainment or pleasure, little noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity. No one is to go onto the streets (except the Pecelang), and the airport will also be closed. More info at www.balitourismboard.org

20TH - 24TH MARCH - THE 6TH ANNUAL BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL
Be a part of something that will change our world. The BaliSpirit Festival is a spiritually charged event that celebrates yoga, dance and music and the synergy of global cultural collaboration through the arts. The Sixth Festival will take place in Ubud from March 20th 2013. Early Bird Tickets are available now. Held over 5 transformational and fun-filled days, this annual celebration brings to Bali a wealth of talented and respected creative masters from around the world, merging the indigenous and rich cultures of Indonesia in the spirit of learning, collaboration and the celebration of creative and spiritual diversity. www.balispiritfestival.com

26TH MARCH - FULL MOON - PURNAMA SASIH KEDASA
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.


27TH & 28TH MARCH - HARI RAYA GALUNGAN & UMANIS GALUNGAN
Galungan is a Balinese holiday that occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10 days. Kuningan is the last day of the holiday (see below). Galungan means ‘When the Dharma is winning’ – Dharma being good over evil. During this holiday the Balinese Gods visit the earth and leave on Kuningan. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes to be entertained by those on earth. Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan ‘holiday’ the day before – on the 26th. ‘Penjors’ can be seen lining the streets to welcome good fortune to those who pass below to enter family homes. On Wednesday the 27th, the day of Galungan, most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work on another part of the island. As well as the family temples, visits, with offerings, are also made to the main village temple, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months. The day after Galungan, the 28th, is a time for relaxation; visiting friends and maybe taking the opportunity to head to the mountains or beaches for a picnic.

29TH MARCH - NATIONAL HOLIDAY - GOOD FRIDAY
This Christian religious holiday precedes Easter Sunday. Please note that all banks and government offices will be closed today.


31ST MARCH - EASTER SUNDAY
Many restaurants, hotels and businesses around the island will be celebrating today most notably for children with chocolate eggs and Easter egg / bunny hunts.

Source: Baliplus.com