Gong xi fa cai—happy Chinese New Year! Here in Bali and everywhere else in Indonesia, Chinese New Year is called Imlek. It’s not as widely celebrated as some other holidays in Bali, but many Indonesians and Balinese are of Chinese descent, and so the Lunar New Year is not left uncelebrated. Usually, in the mornings or evenings before, people head to the temples to pray for prosperity. Some will gather in their family’s houses to worship their ancestors.
Furthermore, on the eve of the new year, a family reunion dinner is usually held to gather the family members that might have been separated by marriage or work during the year. This is generally considered one of the most important parts of the festivity. After a sumptuous dinner the next morning, Hong Bao is given out by parents to their children.
References:
Wonderful Indonesia (2019), How You Can Enjoy the Festive Chinese New Year Day in Bali
One World Nations Online (2016), Chinese New Year Festivities: New Year’s Eve