Local Updates of Bali

Governmental and enterprises as well as all schools in Bali get two days holiday starting from January 14th until January 15th related to the celebration of Siwaratri Day – contemplation day for our sin conducted by Hindus in Bali.

Bali governor, Made Mangku Pastika determined that two days as optional holidays said the Head of Publication and Documentation Division of Bali Public Relation and Protocol Bureau, I Ketut Teneng in Denpasar.

He said, that dispensation directed to all employees in government institution and students of all level.

According to him also, private companies is urged to adjust and give chance for their employees in conducting their series of ritual, which begin on Thursday until Friday this week.

Head of Bali Welfare Bureau, I Gusti Putu Yudi Arnawa added that the ritual activity related to this Siwaratri at Bali provincial level will be centered at Agung Besakih Temple of Karangasem regency.

Bali Governor, Mangku Pastika and Head of Working Unit Area Device – Satuan Kerja Perangkat Daerah (SKPD) – will gather with the people in several activities at there on Thursday night up to the Friday in the morning.

One of the holy day of Hindus people will be filled with introspection through “jagra” in other word is fasting for 36 hours.

Besides not eat and drink for two afternoon and one night, people should not sleep and talk either.

Yudi Arnawa explained, series of ritual will involve 36 sulinggih (priests) delegation from eight regencies and one capitol city in Bali.

During the Siwaratri Day, people will conducted three times praying at Agung Besakih temple court that is about 90 kilometer from Denpasar to the east.

Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), the highest Hindu’s council in one of their decision as the result of Mahasbha VIII – council highest meeting – in Denpasar on September 21, 2001 suggested for the central government for Siwaratri Day is settled as national holiday.

Until today, that suggestion still has not received a response from the central. Hindu has series of holy day implementation, all this time merely Nyepi Day – Silent Day – settled by the government as national holiday, said I Ketut Teneng.

News by Antara Bali