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Foreign tourists advised not to visit Bali at Nyepi
The Bali provincial administration has advised tourists not to visit Bali on Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) on March 31
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The Bali provincial administration has advised tourists not to visit Bali on Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) on March 31.
"Tourists intending to vacation in Bali should rearrange their trips in advance or postpone them because during Nyepi no mode of transportation is allowed to operate," administration spokesman I Ketut Teneng said in Denpasar on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Ketut Teneng said that on Nyepi, all access to Bali via the airport and its harbors would be closed for 24 hours from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Nyepi marks the start of the new lunar year on the Balinese Caka calendar. On the day, Balinese Hindus must perform four abstinences known as catur brata penyepian, comprising amati geni (abstaining from the lighting of fire or lights); amati karya (abstaining from work); amati lelungan (abstaining from traveling outside one's home); and amati lelanguan (abstaining from enjoyable activities).
All of these abstinences are aimed at entering a state of self-contemplation, meditation, evaluating deeds conducted the previous year and praying for the best in the coming year.
No lights can be lit, all radio and television stations will halt broadcasts, no one may leave their home or hotel except in an emergency. Only hospitals and emergency services continue to operate. (***)
