By Jonathan Head BBC correspondent in Bali

Thousands of people have attended a huge religious ceremony at the site of last month's Bali bombing, which killed more than 180 people.

It was the most elaborate religious ceremony in Bali's recent history.

The ceremony was an unprecedented effort by communities across the island to restore the spiritual harmony which was shattered by last month's bomb attacks.

Animals were prepared for sacrifice

In the capital Jakarta. international schools closed on Friday after warnings of a possible terror attack.

Australia said it had received "credible information" of a possible attack on such schools, and warned its nationals to avoid them.

In Bali, the cleansing ritual started at the crater left by the explosion outside the Sari club.

Restoring harmony

The ruined buildings and rubble were transformed by a covering of religious decoration, gold and white umbrellas fluttering in the wind, together with delicate hangings woven from bamboo and palm leaves.

Security was tight for the ceremony

Thousands of onlookers in colourful festive clothes watched Bali's most respected Hindu priests pour holy water on the site, accompanied by chanting and the ringing sound of traditional gamelan music.

Meanwhile, down at the beach dozens of animals from chickens to water buffalos were ritually slaughtered to banish the evil that people here believe was caused by the blasts.

Many of the families of foreign victims were also here. For some this was their first glimpse of the bomb site.

Some felt bewildered by the ceremony which had taken it over but others were moved by the sympathy shown to them by local people.

They too have left their mark at the ruins of the club - small photographs and farewell messages stuck to the few pieces of wood and masonry still standing.