CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FEBRUARY 2011

February 2nd – Dark Moon - Tilem Sasih Kewulu
The Balinese adhering to the Hindu Dharma religion will celebrate ‘Tilem’ in temple ceremonies, which are mostly held in major temples 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 guided by Him.

February 3rd – Chinese New Year – Gong Xi Fa Cai
This day will welcome in the new Chinese year by the Chinese lunar calendar and celebrate the start of the year of the metal, or, golden rabbit. “To gain the greatest benefits from this year, it is best to focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. It should be a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle in order to calmly deal with any problems that may arise,” according to astrologers. Many restaurants and bars will be celebrating with performances and special menus around the island, so do check out the various programs and reserve ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Today is a national holiday therefore all banks, government offices and some commerce will be closed.

February 4th,11th,18th, 25th - Aperochic @ Metis
Aperochic Sunset Experience is a fab start to the weekend with all drinks at Rp. 50,000 with complimentary ‘delicious’ canapés to the tunes of DJ Marco Polo from 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Ph: 737 888 www.metisbali.com

February 14th – Valentines Day
The international day of love… a day to be romantic or to propose if it’s on the cards. Choose to share a beautiful meal at one of the many stunning, seductive venues on offer. This is a day to get close to those dearest and nearest. Alternatively, one of the many day spas listed in this edition offer pampered packages for two to get the intimate mood flowing.

February 15th– Islamic Holiday - Maulid Nabi MuhammadToday is a national holiday to celebrate the Islamic Prophet Muhammad’s birthday therefore all banks, government offices and some commerce will be closed.

February 17th – Full Moon - Purnama Sasih Kesanga
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 blessed by a priest. It is the essence of theses offerings that will be enjoyed by the deities. The Balinese themselves are then blessed by performing various rituals using holy water, incense smoke, petals and rice grains.

26th February – Hari Tumpek Kandang
Tumpek Kadang Day is dedicated to animals. This Balinese Hindu ceremony is held every 210 days to honour and bless livestock and domesticated animals. The name Tumpek Kandang is derived from two words, ‘Tumpek’, which means Saturday and ‘Kandang’ being the Balinese word for cage. This special day honours nature and in particular cows will be washed in the rivers and adorned, pigs will have their bellies washed & wrapped in cloth, as well as being given specially chosen food. The Balinese believe this will bring their livestock and themselves more prosperity. Prayers will be held at the temples across the island.

Source: Baliplus.com