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Balinese Hindus marked the start of the local new year with a Day of Silence, known as Nyepi. The day, which fell on March 11 in 2024, invited Hindus to undergo self-reflection. All visitors to the island were also expected to observe the ritual. Most activities were banned, while businesses closed for the day. The island’s traditional security officers, known as pecalang, enforced the rules by detaining anyone who leaves their homes. The day came after a night of celebration in which giant effigies of demons were paraded and burned, while some took part in a fire purification ceremony known as Lukat Geni.
