Nyepi Day is approaching
Nyepi Day, the day of silence where the whole island shuts down is approaching and I am starting to think about what my plans are.
For those who have never experienced Nyepi it is a purification for the whole island. In Balinese Hinduism local temples and villages are purified from time to time, the island once a year and dates to be arranged. In 2003 Nyepi fell on April 2nd, this year its March 21st.
Before Nyepi Day objects from temples are ritually cleansed in streams and the ocean. Specially made offerings are placed at crossroads to lure evil spirits out into the open. The reason for this is to chase them away with ‘ogah ogahs’ , the large ‘Freddie Kruger’ like creations that every village makes. Last year on Jl. Legian there were several impressive ogah ogahs being wheeled around and Kuta Square especially was full of onlookers.
The ogah ogah’s scare the evil spirits away from Bali, but they return several hours later looking for human activity. All lights, machines, radios must be turned off and no one is allowed out. The pecalang or religious traffic cops will reprimand anyone who ventures out. The quiet period lasts from around 5am to 5am the next day, with the airport completely closed to traffic.
What does thisd mean for visitors? Well if you are in a resort you will have access to the facilities, but will have to quieten down a bit. Guest house travelers will have to stay in their guest house, no food placs will be open.
Last year I taped towels over my windows and cooked for once. It wasn’t bad but if you’ve done it once you probably wouldn’t get much out of it again. I think it would be more interesting being in a local household observing their interactions. Strictly speaking the Balinese are not supposed to talk or eat.
My plan this year will be to take my motorbike to Lombok and explore part of the south and west coast. The Hard Rock Hotel offered a ‘Nyepi Package’ last year with the tagline ‘celebrate the silence.’
If your trip to Bali falls on March 21st be prepared for a quieter time.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
G’Day Nick,
Does this mean Vegemite sandwiches again this year for Nyepi?.
Get some good fotos of the Ogah-Ogah mate.
I believe there won’t be any Ogah Ogah’s this year due to the Elections.
Which is really disappointng as they are great to see & watch, the loacl excitement is awesome…
Hi Nick, Barrie, Tracey,
It is called “Ogoh - ogoh”, which is a symbol of evil spirit.
Ogah is mean “no” or “I dont want to” in indonesian slang language
Cheers
I wished to get a picture of the village on Nyepi day. Could anybody?
Juliana,
I did initially write Ogoh-Ogoh, but then I thought if I write this they might not realise I mean the same thing!? But Thanks, for clearing that up!
Juliana, do you know if it is true, that due to the election there will not be the usual Celebrations?
Tracey,
Yes, its true!
There will be no ogoh2 this year. No ogoh2, it means unusual Nyepi ;-(
Siddique,
I’m not sure you could but you should try to ask the permit in the local banjar. But can not guarantee…
Cheers…
..
Siddique,
I’m not sure you could but you should try to ask the permit in the local banjar. But can not guarantee…
Cheers…
Oups! Nick, sorry dorry morry… i added to much.
I made mistakes when i posted. *ayu malu* ;-(
You could delete some.
Thanks!
Ayu,
It’s Ok…
It is cute!!!!
I read your site daily and do enjoy it. Thought you might like to know that this site got a favorable mention in USA Today, Friday, March 12, under the Virtual Voyager section. I just tried to find it for you but apparently it’s not accessible yet via the Internet.