Religious authorities of Bali has announced that there is no Ogoh-Ogoh parade this year to mark the Balinese Day of Silence or Nyepi. Other limitations have also been declared before the celebrations of the Holy Day due to the Covid-19.
In a circular signed by Wayan Koster, Governor of Bali the head of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) in Bali I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, and the chief of Bali’s traditional village council Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, the celebrations of Nyepi are allowed however with certain limitations imposed that limits the number of participants, duration and location across the several ceremonies that goes traditionally along with Nyepi falling on 14th March this year.
This includes limiting the number of maximum people to 50, restricting the lighting of firecrackers and strict mandatory adherence to the heath protocols of corona virus.
In addition, the Ogoh-Ogoh parades, which usually take place on the eve of Nyepi, have been cancelled for this year.
“Religiously speaking, it is not an obligation,” Putra said. “What’s most important is to prioritize public health.”