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Bali fire festival

April 1, 2014 / 11:34 AM EDT / CBS News

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man throws a burned coconut husk during the "Mesabatan Api" ritual ahead of Nyepi Day in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia.

All photos taken on March 30, 2014.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

Mesabatan Api is held annually a day before the Nyepi Day of Silence. It symbolizes the purification of the universe and the human body through fire.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

Nyepi is a Hindu celebration observed every new year according to the Balinese calendar. The national holiday is one of self-reflection and meditation. Activities such as working, watching television or travelling are restricted between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man hits another with a burned coconut husk.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

Balinese men hit each other during the "Mesabatan Api" ritual ahead of Nyepi Day.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man kicks up fire.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man kicks up fire.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

Balinese men play with burning coconut husks.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man hits another with a burned coconut husk.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man hits another with a burned coconut husk.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

A Balinese man hits another with a burned coconut husk.

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

On the eve of Nyepi Day, Balinese men hit each other with burning coconut husks during the "Mesabatan Api" ritual.