Bali's Nyepi and Ramadan Fall Simultaneously; Religious Leaders Make Pact

TEMPO.CO, Denpasar - The Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI) of Bali and interreligious councils agreed on guidelines for the implementation of Nyepi or the Day of Silence 2023 or Saka 1945 which falls simultaneously with the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan 1444 Hijri on March 22.

Head of the PHDI Bali, I Nyoman Kenak, said this was not the first time that the silence day coincided with other religious days, such as Ramadan.

“The implementation refers to the previous agreement. There are no crucial changes given that previous events ran well, so the guidelines are used as a reference,” said Kenak on Tuesday, March 14.

He assessed that religious harmony which is evident from the religious tolerance in the Island of the Gods has been running well to date. Interreligious institutions are also committed to maintaining harmony, security, and convenience in practicing prayers.

Thus, Kenak appreciated all religious councils that he deemed the fortress of harmony in the province.

For the implementation of the Islamic Tarawih prayer on the silence day, Kenak explained that the interreligious councils decided to allow Muslims to perform the prayer in their respective homes or nearby house of prayers by reaching them on foot.

“And [house of prayers] must not turn on speakers and limit the use of lighting. Other religious communities can pray at their respective houses,” Kenak added.

The guidelines were agreed upon by the Bali government and the regional religious affairs office, regional police, regional command of 163/Wirasatya, religious councils, and related stakeholders during a meeting on Monday, March 13.

ANTARA

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