CALENDAR OF EVENTS - NOVEMBER 2011

6th November – HARI RAYA IDUL ADHA
This is a national public holiday; therefore banks and government buildings will be closed, as may be some commerce, which celebrates the Islam Holiday meaning the 'Greater Eid'. Eid is also about spending time with family and friends, sacrifice, and thanksgiving for being able to afford food and housing. Each family will sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, by slaughter. The meat will then be divided into three equal parts to be distributed to others. The family eats one third, another third is given to other relatives, friends or neighbours, and the other third is given to the poor as a gift.


15th – 20th November – 5th BALINALE BALI FILM FESTIVAL
To coincide with the 18th annual ASEAN SUMMIT and expand on its efforts to garner a larger viewing audience, BALINALE 2011 will be held 15 - 20 November (changed date). Thank you for your support and please stay tuned for announcements on film selections and festival activities by logging on at www.balinale.com


19th November – HARI SARASWATI
This day is devoted to God's Manifestation as Dewi Saraswati, the beautiful Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature. She rules the intellectual and creative realm, and is the patron goddess of libraries and schools. Balinese Hindus believe that knowledge is an essential medium to achieve the goal of life as a human being, and so honour her. She is also celebrated because she succeeded in taming the wandering and lustful mind of her consort, Brahma, who was preoccupied with the goddess of material existence, Shatarupa. On this day no one is allowed to read or write, and offerings are made to the lontar (palm-leaf manuscripts), books, and shrines.


19th – 22nd November – THE 6th SANUR VILLAGE FESTIVAL, HORTICULTURAL FESTIVAL & FLOWER FIESTA
The National Festival of Flowers and Plants is a regular major horticultural exhibition event held in rotation between important cities across Indonesia, being held on Bali this year at Pantai Matahari Terbit in Sanur. This year it will be merged with the Denpasar Horticulture Festival as well as the 6th Sanur Village Festival. The Denpasar Horticulture Festival promotes the city as a tourism destination by exposing unique and quality products, as well as arts. The Sanur Village Festival is an annual arts, culinary, and cultural fiesta, which has been held since 2006. For further information about the activities of National Flora Week 2011 and the Sanur Village Festival please visit: www.balihorticulturefestival.com and www.gotosanur.com


23rd November – HARI RAYA PAGERWESI
The name literally means 'iron fence', on which day ceremonies and prayers are held for strong mental and spiritual defense in welcoming the Galungan holiday. It is always held three days after Hari Raya Saraswati to empower the learning and wisdom bestowed. Bali will be very colourful and people will be coming to and from the temples for most of the day so please refrain from honking on the roads.


27th November – TAHUN BARU 1433 HIJRIYAH
Today marks the first month of the Islamic New Year and calendar, also known as 1 Muharram 1433. It is celebrated in Indonesia as a national holiday therefore all banks, government offices and some commerce will be closed.


27th November – ROCK N RUN AT HARD ROCK 11TH CHAPTER
This annual event will start at 6.30 am and mark Hard Rock Hotel's 11th consecutive 5 km charity run. The registration counter is open daily from 11 am – 6 pm in front of the giant surf board. The fee is Rp. 100,000 /person, including a t-shirt and refreshment. This year's proceeds will be donated to the Smile Foundation through the Rotary Club. There are prizes in Male/Female and Family Categories. More on 0361 761 869 ext 8163/4.