"Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi, Tahun Baru Caka 1925"

Every 210 days, the Balinese (or should I say Hindunesse) celebrate their New Year (Icaka). It's called Nyepi. The festivities last several days. The day before Nyepi the Balinese indulge in purification -Melasti ritual- and sacrificerituals to send the evil spirits to the mountains. On Nyepi itself (April 02, 03) one needs to observe total silence and meditate. No lights, no music, no use any electricity, no traffic on the streets etc. It is forbidden to leave the house or hotel. Arrivals at the airport will have to stay there untill sunrise the day after Nyepi (it's about 4 PM). All this is to make the evil spirits believe that there are no more people living on Bali and will lose their interest in Bali (and its people).