Festivals
You'll most likely see a ceremony everyday in Bali. The Balinese devote their lives to the celebration of their religion and integrate it into their daily activities. Temple ceremonies are commonplace, and the beautiful processions are a wonderfully colourful sight.

Nyepi
The Balinese New Year is called Nyepi, the day of silence. This changes every 420 days - based on the Balinese lunar calendar of 35 days each month. Generally, Nyepi falls at the beginning of the year. This day is special to the Balinese, and all visitors are required to observe the day. No work, fire, activities or noise are permitted during the day. Hindu Balinese are encouraged to meditate and think about past deeds. Guests are prohibited to venture from their resorts and noises are kept minimised. No flights or transportation are allowed to operate on that day. Interesting parades of huge papier mâché puppets, with demonic and fierce faces, are held on the evening before Nyepi day in a ceremony to chase away evil spirits.

Galungan Day
Pronounced Gaa-loong-ahn, Galunghan is another important holiday for the Balinese as it represents the victory of good over evil. The day is celebrated with offerings, prayers and ceremonies at temples and visits to families and relatives. It occurs every 210 days and is usually considered to be a school holiday in Bali. Every village and temple is dressed up with beautiful decorations made from hand-woven coconut leaves, decorated bamboo poles, gold and colourful clothes.

Kuningan Day
Falls ten days after Galunghan. Kuningan Day always falls on Saturday and Galunghan Day always falls on Wednesday.

The Balinese also recognise other distinctive holidays such Saraswati Day - a day to honour the goddess of knowledge; Full Moon Ceremony and Odalan Day - the anniversary of a temple. The famous Tanah Lot temple, which is located next to Le Meridien Nirwana, has its Odalan Day a few days after Kuningan Day. Traditional music, dances and endless prayers from all over Bali will fill the three-day ceremony at this sacred temple.