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Bali Island in Indonesia Switches off Internet Services for Nyepi - Hindu New Year


Internet services on Bali Island in Indonesia will be switched off on Saturday, March 17, 2018 as part of Nyepi – Balinese Hindu New Year. Internet providers will switch off mobile services for 24 hours to mark the Indonesian island’s annual day of silence.

Nyepi is based on the ancient Balinese Hindu calendar. It is a sacred day of reflection on the Hindu-majority Island. Even the international airport shuts down on the day.



The Guardian reports
“It was agreed that internet on mobile phones will be cut. All operators have agreed,” Nyoman Sujaya, from the Bali communications ministry.

The plan, based on an appeal put forward by Balinese civil and religious groups, was announced following a meeting at the ministry in Jakarta. 
This is the first time internet services will be shut down in Bali for Nyepi, after the same request was denied last year.
However, wifi connection will still be available at hotels and for strategic services such as security, aviation, hospitals and disaster agencies. 
Switching off internet services was a form of respect, at a time when Balinese are expected to quietly reflect, and avoid work and travel. 
In the lead-up to Nyepi, Balinese perform traditional purification rituals, and thousands of giant effigies called ogoh-ogoh are paraded through the streets in theatrical, boisterous ceremonies.
The effigies symbolise demons and are often set on fire at the end of the parade.
According to Balinese beliefs, on the day of Nyepi the spirits roam the island and people must stay quiet and avoid lighting fires, or even turning on the lights, so as not to attract the attention of the demons.
Know more about Nyepi - Balinese Hindu New Year

Know more about various Hindu New Year