DENPASAR (indo.com): On April 9, 2002 Hindus throughout Bali will gather all sacred apparatus that symbolize the supremacy of God in the community temple for the great purification ceremony, which is held either on April 10 or April 11, 2002.

This ceremony is called as Melasti (or Melis) when thousands of temple adherents go to the beaches of Bali, especially Kuta and Sanur, carrying their respective temple effigies. This starts very early in the morning and continues until late in the afternoon. This ceremony is an elaborate spiritual purification for the whole villages and for everyone, and forms a spectacular and colourful sight.

The day after Melasti (April 12) is called Tawur Agung Kesanga (Great Sacrificial Ceremony) and is used to welcome the Nyepi holiday. Processions begin in every family compound, village and provincial area and focus on the local Puputan Square in Denpasar at noon.

After the Great Sacrificial Ceremony has finished, processions of Ogoh - Ogoh (huge monster dolls) are paraded along the streets. These monster dolls are the symbols of evil spirits.

This significant Ogoh - Ogoh procession is meant to drive evil spirits and any other negative influences away from the villages. Much shouting and beating of the 'kulkul' (traditional bamboo bell) accompanies the processions, along with fire torches. The kulkul and the fire torches are also carried through the house compound in order to cast away the evil spirits. It is believed that the evil spirits are scared of noises fire.

Each 'banjar' (traditional community association) usually makes their own Ogoh-ogoh and a contest for the best model is usually held in town.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Bali on these days, a visit to Denpasar is well worth it on the eve of Nyepi. The ceremonies and processions are quite spectacular.