Purnama and Tilem: Bali's full moon and new moon days

Balinese life follows several calendars at once, and the moon is one of them. Every full moon and every new moon is a holy day. If you live here, you'll notice it even without a calendar: more offerings, more people in ceremonial dress, and temples busier than usual.

Purnama: the full moon

Purnama is the full moon. It's considered a pure and auspicious day, a time for prayer, gratitude and blessings. Families bring offerings to their household and village temples, and many temple anniversaries (called odalan) fall on or around Purnama, so you may come across processions, gamelan music and temples dressed in fabric and decorations.

Tilem: the new moon

Tilem is the new moon, the darkest night of the lunar month. It's also a holy day, often associated with reflection and purification. As on Purnama, Balinese Hindus pray and make offerings, though the mood is usually quieter.

What you'll notice

• More offerings than usual on shrines, doorsteps and at crossroads.
• People in white or traditional dress heading to temple, often in the morning or evening.
• Traffic slowing near temples, with roads sometimes briefly closed for processions.
• Many yoga studios hold full moon ceremonies, sound baths or special classes around Purnama.

How to be a respectful guest

• Give way to processions and don't walk through the middle of a ceremony.
• Never step on offerings on the ground. Step around them.
• If you visit a temple, wear a sarong and sash, and follow the temple etiquette basics.
• Ask before photographing people praying, and keep your distance.

Why it shows up in our newsletter

Every Monday Edition notes the moon phase and the next Purnama or Tilem, so you can plan around ceremonies, or join a full moon session at a studio. Sign up on the front page to get it.