Banjar Bali USA is a group of Indonesian Hindus which strives to share promote and preserve traditional Balinese culture through arts, performance and cuisine. Yesterday, at the home of Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States H.E. Budi Bowoleksono and Mrs. Bowoleksono, the group celebrated Dharma Shanti, a social activity following the Nyepi New Year Commemoration. The event serves as a venue for sharing joy in welcoming the New Year with friends and family.

“The fact that Nyepi is celebrated in Indonesia, the largest Muslim populated country in the world, is evidence of the tolerance and harmony we have,” Ambassador Bowoleksono stated in welcoming the guests. “We are proud to be one of the most pluralistic and diverse countries in the world.”

In Bali, Indonesia, Nyepi is a celebration of the Saka New Year by the Hindu people of Bali. Saka is a lunar calendrical system. It originated in India and made its way to Indonesia around 465 AD.

To learn more, please visit: http://banjarbaliusa.org/