BALI: The people of Bali, Indonesia celebrated the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi, in remarkable harmony. Muslims and other non-Hindus on the island showed respect for the observance. Nyepi is considered a cleansing day of stillness and silence that ushers in the New Year on the Balinese calendar with four solemn restrictions: no fire, no working, no traveling and no entertainment for 24 hours. Some refrain from eating and talking as well.

“We urged Muslims in Bali and elsewhere not to disturb the celebration of Nyepi. It is an important Hindu celebration,” the head of a Muslim organization said. Muslims in Bali  were encouraged to pray at a mosque that could be reached by foot during the holiday and asked not to ride motorcycles or other vehicles. Muslims also performed Friday prayer, but did so without loudspeakers out of respect for Nyepi.

Read more: Communal Harmony