Denpasar, Indonesia:

As the Hindus of Bali island observe a “day of silence” on Hari Nyepi marking a new year

-Ngurah Rai international airport at Bali will be shut down for 24 hours starting from 6 am local time on Saturday (Mar 17) affecting 480 flights including nearly 240 international flights.

– No lights will be turned on and none will be allowed outdoors

– For the first time, telecoms providers have also been asked to shut down some mobile Internet services, as religious leaders in Bali had appealed for a 24-hour Internet blackout from 6 am on Saturday barring hospitals, banks, and certain public places.

– On Saturday, locals will stop regular daily activities for a day of meditation, fasting and introspection, an annual rite that includes elaborate beachside ceremonies and demon-like effigies.

– Non-Hindus, including the tourists who flock to the tropical paradise, are asked to stay in their homes or hotels.

– Many tourists actually came specifically to experience the quietness and the serenity of Nyepi, airport spokesman Yanus Suprayogi told AFP.

– Cars and motorcycles are also not allowed on the road except in an emergency while lights inside homes and street lights are switched off.

(inputs from AFP)