Hindu New Year in Ubud, Bali

Hindu New Year in Ubud, Bali (Indonesia)

Every city on the island had built giant paper monsters, some representing the different neighborhoods. The Balinese believe that by parading them on the street, they raise awareness among the crowds that evil spirit can take many forms, while flattering the actual evil spirits looking down on the island.

That night, after the celebrations, they take them back to where they built them, and leave them there for a day. The next day is called "silence day" -- yes, a day of SILENCE!

No cars, motorcycles or even people are allowed on the street. And believe me, the Balienese are very serious about that. People stay home, medidate and catch up on their sleep.

The reson for silence day is that the Balinese believe on that very day, evil spirits will hover around the island. When they see the big paper monsters, they'll think "oh, someone's already here!" and when they see the deserted streets, they'll believe there is no one, no human, to bother. So according to the Balinese, the evil spirits will go away and leave the island in peace for another year.

How cute is that!?

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• hindu
• new
• year
• bali
• ubud
• indonesia