There are many festivals in Bali and some are dedicated to the art of woodcarving or the birth of a goddess. Festivals in Bali are based on three calendars (the Western, the Saka and the Wuku calendars). The Nyepi Celebration in Bali takes place in the month of march/april. This is a festival when a new lunar year starts and usually falls during the spring equinox.
The Nyepi (Icaka New Year) in Bali is a different kind of celebration where everyone including foreign tourist have to remain silent. This is a Hindu festival and non-Hindus are advised to remain in their homes in this day. Top tourist spots like Kuta beach, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Sanur, which are crowded usually, remain totally deserted in this day. On the eve of Nyepi, people burn ogoh-ogoh into ashes in the hope of destroying all negative influences on Bali. The night before Nyepi, local residents including foreigners come to the streets, watching the ogoh ogoh.
Before the day of Nyepi (Icaka New Year) in Bali objects from temples are ritually cleansed in streams and the ocean. Priests make special offerings and place at crossroads to lure evil spirits out into the open.
Some of the best places to watch ogoh ogoh in Bali are Bemo corner in Kuta, Jl. Seminyak at Dhyana Pura in Semnyak and Puputan Square in Denpasar.
