Nyepi "Day Of Silence" |
Posted by Made Kamayasa on Sat Mar 29, 2014 |
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2014, it falls on March 31). It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia.
Nyepi, a public holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day. The same day celebrated in India as ugadi.
The celebration is based on the Saka calendar, a lunar calendar brought from south India to Indonesia around 465 AD. The Saka year is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar. While the Balinese follow the Saka calendar for religious purposes, they have adopted the Gregorian calendar for business and government purposes.
This celebration usually falls in March or April. The Balinese observe the holiday in various ways, including remaining in their homes for 24 hours, abstaining from lighting fires, sex and work and enforcing strict rules against noise and displays of light throughout the island. It's amazing; the island goes totally silent and Nyepi night is completely dark - uninterrupted by any lights, not even candles.
On Nyepi day itself, everybody in Bali remains at home (including non-Hindus, foreigners and visitors!). There will be a local officer on duty to ensure everybody obeys the prohibitions.
The main purpose of the Nyepi Day ceremonies is to pray to God (Hyang Widhi Wasa) to keep this world in harmony and for self introspection on values.
Related rites before the Nyepi Day (part of Nyepi):
If you wish to witness the celebration, be in Bali the day before because the Airport will close on Nyepi Day. And if you wish to see the Mekiis and Tawur Kesanga or Ogoh-Ogoh, you should plan to arrive in Bali 3 to 4 days before Nyepi Day.
Last changed: Sat Mar 29, 2014 at 11:06 am