Source: www.thejakartaglobe.com
DENPASAR, BALI, March 17, 2010: The resort island of Bali effectively closed down for 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday to mark the Hindu holiday of Nyepi. During the Day of Silence, Balinese Hindus as well as domestic and international guests residing on the island are prohibited from leaving their homes, turning on the electricity and from working or any form of entertainment.
When Nyepi began, all entrances to Bali, including the Ngurah Rai International Airport and seaports Gilimanuk in Jembrana, Padangbai in Karangasem, Benoa in Denpasar and Celukan Bawang in Buleleng, were closed for 24 hours and all television and radio stations are prohibited from broadcasting. Even tourism activities stopped. In Kuta, no tourists were seen bathing, swimming or sunbathing at the beach. All restaurants, cafes, bars and art shops were closed.
World Day of Silence activist Gusti Ayu Fransiska Kusumadewi said that Nyepi prevented 20,000 tons of carbon emissions from being released, excluding emissions released by various modes of transportation, such as motorcycles, cars and airplanes. Agung Mastika said Nyepi saves up to 450 megawatts of electricity, worth about $599,500.