"I also greet you happy Nyepi with hopes that the day of silence will bring peace and happiness to us all," he stated on his Twitter account.
Hindus in Bali and other parts of the country are observing the holy day of silence or "Nyepi" for 24 hours on Wednesday ahead of the Saka New Year 1938 on Thursday.
On the Day of Nyepi, Hindus refrain from engaging in any physical activity, lighting fire, traveling, and leisure activities. They remain in their homes from 6 a.m. local time on March 9 for the next 24 hours to pray and introspect.
The Day of Nyepi is a national holiday in the country, but the event is widely observed in Bali where most of its over four million population follows Hinduism.
The Nyepi Day this year coincides with a solar eclipse that occurred totally in some parts and partially in other parts of the country.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
