Purnama and tilem in the sasih calendar are for praying and making offerings, a time when rituals and sacred dances are held in many temples. Temple anniversaries (odalan) often take place on the full moon. Siwalatri, the "Night of Siwa," falls on the eve of the new moon of the seventh sasih, January). On this night many Balinese meditate, sing classical poetry and keep all-night vigils in temples of the dead.
The days immediately before the start of the lunar new year are especially full of activity. Processions of offerings and loud gong music accompany the icons of every temple to the seacoast for a ritual cleansing (malasti). On the eve of the new year, demon-appeasing sacrifices are held everywhere. That night, a great commotion is made to chase demons away, sometimes accompanied by torch processions of huge bamboo and paper monsters (ogoh-ogoh).
The next day is Nyepi, literally "to be silent," when Bali appears completely deserted. No fires are lit, visiting and entertainment are not permitted, people stay at home to meditate. This continues until the following morning, when normal activity resumes.
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