Balinese Hindus carry sacred masks, sacred effigies and ritual paraphernalia during the Melasti Ritual prior to Nyepi Day, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence that marks the arrival of the new Saka lunar year, at Siyut Beach, in Gianyar Bali, Indonesia. ⁠ ⁠ In early March, Balinese Hindus perform a series of rituals to celebrate the lunar new year culminating in the observance of Nyepi Day, falling this year on March 22. Nyepi, which comes from the word sepi or sipeng meaning lonely or silent, is a national holiday for self-reflection and abstaining from distractions such as entertainment. ⁠ ⁠ Dressed in predominantly white attire, Balinese Hindus carried sacred effigies of gods and goddesses and ritual paraphernalia from their village temples to the beach to perform a purification ceremony called the Melasti ritual. Balinese Hindus believe the Melasti ritual is a must ahead of Nyepi Day to cleanse the soul and nature, recharge the supernatural power of the temples sacred objects and cle...