Nyepi: The Balinese Day of Silence
Nyepi is the day of the year where Balinese tradition comes into direct conflict with the 21st Century. During Nyepi Day, all usual island functions stop, no one allowed outside including tourists. Thankfully most foreigners look at Nyepi as a once in a while things and a part of life in Bali. Here’s Wikipedia’s analysis of Nyepi.
Nyepi is a Balinese “Day of Silence” that falls on Bali’s Lunar New Year (March 19, 2007). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalangs, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.
Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.
On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.
• First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi/Vishnu-Devas-Bataras and is performed at the beach to respect them as the owner of The Land and Sea.
• Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create balance with God, Mankind, and Nature.
• Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
- Amati Geni: No fire/light
- Amati Karya: No working
- Amati Lelunganan: No traveling
- Amati Lelanguan: Fasting
• Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM March 19 and continues to 6:00 AM March 20 (24 hours, dates provided are for 2007).
• Fifth, The Ngebak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindu’s to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come.
• Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed as the Nyepi Day or “Day of Silence.”
Westerners are excluded from the ceremonies and maybe should be thankful that the Balinese take it upon themselves to cleanse the island’s spirit.
By Nick | Permalink
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[...] Seminyak is the center of expat activities in Bali. Sunday was another beautiful sunny day with one exception, Nyepi, the Day of Silence was looming and for people used to creature comforts within easy reach, it was a time to plan ahead. No one is going to starve in a 24 hour period, but judging by the loads of groceries being bought at Bintang supermarket, you’d think people were sailing to Africa. Popular items seems to be fizzy drinks, Bintang, meat and vegetables. Bintang supermarket closed at 10pm giving shoppers plenty of time to sort themselves out. Circle K was also open late as were certain bars on Jl. Dhyana Pura. Seminyak folks gather at the junction of Jl. Seminyak and Jl. Dhyana Pura around 7pm. Pura Desa Seminyak is located right there and after hundreds of Balinese locals have attended ceremonies there, the fun stuff begins. At important places such as junctions, elaborate offerings are placed to keep evil spirits at bay. Ogah ogahs, the giant mythical monsters are designed to scare the evil spirits away from Bali all at once. When the evil spirits return the next day (Nyepi Day), people must make every effort to stay inside, make no noise and generally give the evil spirits the impression nobody is home. Some ogah ogahs are in line with Balinese mythological creatures, others have a more modern twist. Many are funny and some quite amazing, for the fact they seem to defy gravity. After a couple of swings up and down the main street, accompanied by much cheering and high spirits, the ogah ogahs are taken down to the beach and burnt. [...]