Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika issued a circular about the optional holiday of Hari Raya Dipawali, which falls today, Wednesday 18 October 2017.
The circular was issued on October 16, and announced to the media on Tuesday (17/10/2017) yesterday according to Bali Tribun.
The letter was addressed to the regents, mayors, leaders of government agencies, TNI, Police, SOEs, and private companies in Bali.
According to the PR head of the Bali provincial government, I Dewa Gede Mahendra Putra, the Governor’s circular letter was a follow up to a letter from the Director General at the Indonesian Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs.
In the letter from the Director General of Hindu Affairs dated October 4, 2017 number B-4240 / DJ.VI /BA.03.1 it was explained that Dipawali would be celebrated on 18 and 19 October 2017.
“In relation to the celebration, the governors of Indonesia, the heads of civil government institution, TNI / Police and private companies are requested to provide a one-day optional holiday between the two dates to their Hindu employees,” said Dewa Mahendra in a press release received by the Tribun Bali yesterday.
Since it was designated as a holiday for Hindus in Indonesia and especially in Bali, the Chairman of Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) of Bali Province, Prof. Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana also received the circular letter.
However, he claimed to have not heard before about the determination of the optional holiday for the Dipawali festivities.
“I also just received the circular. The exact meaning of the feastival day I do not know. What is clear is that it is celebrated in India, “said Sudiana when contacted via telephone on Tuesday (17/10/2017).
According to former Chairman of Central PHDI, I Ketut Wiana, Dipawali is a holy day as a warning of Sri Rama’s return to Ayodya after winning a fight against Ravana.
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