16/03/2018
Nyepi is the Balinese ‘Day of Silence’ which is celebrated every Balinese New Year (Saka New Year). This year it will fall on Saturday 17th March, 2018.
Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu celebration. It is a public holiday and is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese people.
Nyepi is observed from 6am on 17th March to 6am the following day (18th March) and there are several restrictions in place for that 24 hour period, in order to keep it as a day of self-reflection.
Think of the 24 hour period as a chance for Mother Nature to ‘reboot.’
The main restrictions are: no lighting fires, lights to be kept low, no working, no entertainment, no pleasure, no travelling; some Balinese choose also not to eat or speak at all.
Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little to no noise heard from TVs or radios and very few signs of activity seen across the island. The only people who are seen outdoors are the Pecalang - the local security men who patrol street and ensure everyone is following the prohibitions.
Despite Nyepi being a Balinese Hindu holiday, all non Hindu residents and tourists are expected to comply. As such, nobody is allowed onto the beaches or streets and the airport remains closed for the 24 hour period. Exemptions are of course in place for emergency vehicles and women giving birth.
The day after Nyepi (Ngembak Geni/Balinese New Year’s Day) family and friends gather together to perform religious rituals and social activity picks up once more.
Don’t forget to watch the Ogoh Ogoh parades the night before (Friday 16th March) which usually start around 7pm.