Selamat Hari Raya: Special occassions in Bali

Bali has a whole calendar of special days, including, Nyepi, Galungan and Kuningan. Add to that the odalans, or temple birthdays that go on for the 20,000 islands temples and you have much to celebrate.

Being part of Indonesia, Bali also recognizes national public holidays which are:

Jan 1st – New Years Day (Tahun Baru)
Feb – Idul Adha
Feb / March 1st of Muharram
March / April – Good Friday & Easter Sunday
May – Maulud Nabi Muhammad
May / June – Ascension Day
May / June – Waisak Day
Aug 17th – Independence Day ( Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan)
Sept – Al Miraj
Nov / Dec – Idul Fitri
Dec 25th – Christmas

Whenever there is a special day in Bali, particularly a Hindu event, its nice to say ‘Selamat hari raya’ (Basically translates to ‘have a good big day’). I think people appreciate a little effort.