Are you ready for Nyepi Day? This year the Balinese Hindu’s ‘Day of Silence’ starts from sunrise on 7th March till sunrise on 8th March 2019.
So What is Nyepi?
While westerners go all out celebrating New Year, the resort island of Bali is gearing up for a 24 hour break on Nyepi Day. Nyepi is the most important and sacred Hindu holiday on Bali. The Balinese kick off the Saka New Year with a day of silence, meditation, purification and for some, fasting. The island comes to almost a standstill. There’s no outside lights, no noise, no traffic, no internet, and you’re officially not allowed to work or cook. The I Gusti Ngurah airport and all see ports will be closed. Only emergency facilities such as police, army and hospitals will remain open.
It’s such a nice time to be in Bali, a little quieter than usual and a real sense of community for both locals and tourists.
The Spiritual Side of Nyepi
In preparation, a few days beforehand, on Melasti, the Balinese head to the beaches for perform a purification ritual. The sacred Melasti purification ritual is to cleanse the universe of “stains” and wash away the “dirtiness” of nature. On the eve of Nyepi, the Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed and they will conduct street parades of Ogoh-Ogoh. Men and boys will carry scary tall frightening papier-mache sculptured creatures that represent evil spirits. The crowds will gather, making loud noises and accompanied by gamelan music, to help rid the island of these evil spirits. As night falls the Ogoh-Ogoh will be burnt ceremonially and fall to ashes. As a tourist, it can be pretty fun to watch.
For the Balinese, Nyepi is a time for reflection and to contemplate on how to be a better person in the new year. Nyepi is also a time for the universe to take a break. “It’s time for the universe to be really tranquil.” Bringing back peace to Balinese peoples lives.
Surviving Nyepi!
It’s understandable for foreigners to get freaked out about what to expect, especially when access to TV, internet, and electricity will be restricted in many places, even villas. Never fear, Villa Pantai Bali – Candidasa will be open, and serving our guests during the Nyepi celebrations. At night the curtains will be closed. A time for personal self reflection. So be respectful of the local Balinese customs by helping them celebrate this very important time of year.
What Comes After Nyepi?
When the silence, meditation, purification and fasting ends, the real celebrations begin! From sunrise on March 8th the party begins! Ngembak Geni, the day after Nyepi social activity picks up as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together. Each Banjar (neigborhoods) will organize festivals, parades and performances. Balinese will take to the streets celebrating the Saka New Year with banging of drums, blowing horns, and cheering crowds. This festival may sound odd, but it carries a real zest of connecting with one another as fellow human beings, keeping order and harmony, as well as just a way to have fun with neighbors, families, even strangers. It’s a street party and everyone is invited to join in!
Accommodation Bookings
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