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BALI, INDONESIA, March 2, 2004: Balinese New Year will commence this year on March 18 with an early morning purification ceremony performed by all the temples in Bali. Temple murthis (icons) are paraded in grand style by devotees to a nearby beach where the temple priests then perform a traditional puja to invoke the blessings of God Varuna. On March 20, families and villages perform more sacrificial purification rituals to welcome the approaching Nyepi Holiday. The whole country ceases normal activities (even the international airport closes for a day) on Nyepi day (March 21). During this time the Balinese people fast and reflect on life. However, on March 22, the day becomes one of feasting and amusement throughout the whole island. The article explains, “Friends and relatives will visit each other and ask for and give forgiveness for any misunderstandings or misdeeds of the previous year. According to the ancient lunar calendar of Bali this new year is called Saka Year 1926.”

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