Nyepi Holy Day

Description:

• One of the most unique celebrations in the world is Nyepi, or the Day of Silence. Once a year, on the ninth new moon (March or April), Balinese must remain in their homes for 24hrs, abstaining from lighting fires, sex and work. The entire island becomes quiet and still, fooling any lurking demons into thinking that no one lives here anymore so that they will go away. The night before this holiday, house yards are symbolically swept of demons and lots of noise is made to scare negative forces away. Great big papier-mache puppets, called ogoh-ogoh, parade through the streets.
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