Ngurah Rai Reopens After Seclusion Day

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The Bali Gusti Ngurah Rai International Day has reopened after being closed for 24 hours for "Nyepi" or Seclusion Day on Saturday.

"The airport has reopened starting 6 am local time," Co-General Manajer of the Ngurah Rai airport`s PT Angkasa Pura I Gusti Ngurah Ardita said in Kuta, Badung District, Sunday.

The airport has resumed its normal operation of serving domestic as well as international flights.

The airport authorities had earlier issued a Notice to Airman to international airports and airways, informing the closing of the airport as the Balinese Hindus celebrated Seclusion Day.

On Seclusion Day, which marked the arrival of New Year 1937 in the Saka calendar, Hindus turned lights off, stop all activities, including traveling, refrained from any kind of entertainment, and stayed indoors to contemplate.

All lights on streets and in houses were turned off, while hotels had been urged to block any light peeking out of their premises.

Traditional security personnel in Bali, known as the "pecalang," monitored the situation during the Hindu Day of Seclusion to ensure that it progressed smoothly on Saturday.

Nyepi has been declared a national holiday out of respect for the Hindu community across the country.

No motor vehicles were allowed to hit the streets on that day and provincial, district as well as the city administration gave no special treatment to anyone, except in the case of an emergency. (WDY)