DENPASAR (indo.com): December is a festive month that sees Bali's three most prominent religions celebrate their holy days. It starts when Hindu followers celebrate Pagerwesi day on December 20, while Christians rejoice the birth of Jesus on the 25th of the month, and only two days later followers of Islam will feast at Idul Fitri, celebrating the break of a month of fasting.

Pagerwesi Day is a day to introspection and preparation day. The name literally means "iron fence", the day devoted to Sanghyang Pramesti Guru, Lord of the universe, when Hindu followers pray for strong mental defense in welcoming Galungan holiday held at every compound and temple throughout Bali.



Many Hindus in Denpasar will pray at Jagatnatha Temple, located in front of Surapati street after they pray at their family temple.

On 25th December 2000, thousands of Christians will celebrate Christmas day. And the busiest place will occur at Surapati street., where there are two great churches within fifty meters of each other. First Maranatha Church for Protestants and the second is Paroki St. Yoseph Church for Chatolic. Both of them are located in Surapati area.

Paroki St. Yoseph Church becomes popular because of its architecture style. The church was design by blending Balinese style with Christian motif instead of Bali's common relief. In the front you can see a building that looks like Bale kulkul special building that can be found in Hindu temples and Banjar buildings. The relief shows the Christian Icon instead of a leather puppet. It shows the strong acculturation between Hindu and Christian in this island.

Christmas day in Bali can bring new color to Bali. Hotel guests can see the Christmas spirit in almost all hotel lobbies. Most of five star hotels in Kuta and Nusa Dua area decorate their lobby with Christmas trees and other Christmas decorations beside offering special events to celebrate this Holy Day.

Then two days later, Moslems will fill Puputan square, located at the corner of Surapati Street, to celebrate the Idul Fitri day. Thousands of Moslems from around Denpasar will come and pray here early in the morning.

And before we close this year by celebrating New Year Eve, Hindus celebrate what they call Tumpek Landep, a special anniversary to admire weapons, or tools that are made from metal. The day is devoted to Sanghyang Pasupati, Lord of heirlooms, weapons and tools made of metal for proper function and magical power.