Hari Raya Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, the first day of Saka lunar calendar. It is a day of silence and reflection. The airport is closed, everyone is required to stay in their houses or hotels. The internet and phone service are halted. The night before is a big loud party. We have always watched the Ogoh-Ogoh – large monsters built from wood, chicken wire, paper machete and foam, that are paraded through the streets. Fun as that always is, this year we opted for something different. Sabat Api is Balinese language, it means – as you shall see – THROW FIRE!
This was held in the village of Nagi about 15 minutes outside of Ubud. They claim it symbolises the purification of the universe and the human body through fire. Um kay. There was a Kecak Dance before the fire fight and a couple Ogoh-Ogoh for good measure.
