Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a sacred day of silence. Businesses close, traffic stops, lights are switched off, and a profound sense of peace takes over the island. It's a day of deep contemplation for Hindus, and even for non-Hindus, it can be a precious day for pausing and resting.
Tourists in Bali are also expected to observe the day of silence, but we're not surprised if you have questions about what you can and cannot do during Nyepi. What is the significance of Nyepi? Can you pop out to the store? Are hotels even open? If you plan to be in Bali during this holiday, here's all you need to know.
What is Nyepi?
Nyepi is a Hindu holiday celebrated in Bali. This Day of Silence marks the start of the Balinese New Year according to the Saka calendar, which follows the moon's phases.
When is Nyepi?
According to the Saka calendar, Nyepi falls on a different day every year.
This year, Nyepi officially begins at 5.59am on March 29 (Saturday) and lasts until 6am on March 30 (Sunday).
Why is Nyepi celebrated?
Bali is unique in Indonesia because of its majority Hindu population – almost 90 percent of Balinese are Hindus.
According to Hindu tradition, Nyepi is celebrated to cleanse the island from the negative energy and misdeeds of the previous year. It's also a time for Hindus to pause and self-reflect. It restores balance and allows for a fresh start in the new year.
What happens during Nyepi?
You could say that nothing at all happens during Nyepi. On this day, Bali shuts down completely – restaurants and shops close, all transport ceases (even the airport shuts down), and people stay home and refrain from cooking, talking, and turning on the lights. Hospitals remain open but are visited only in the event of emergencies.
This "nothingness" promotes meditation, quiet contemplation and spiritual cleansing on what's considered a highly sacred day in the Balinese calendar.
The four rules of Nyepi
From 6am of Nyepi day until 6am the following day, all Balinese and visitors are expected to observe these rules:
- Amati Geni: No fire, light or electricity
- Amati Karya: No working or business
- Amati Lelunganan: No travel
- Amati Lelanguan: No noise or entertainment
Can you talk during Nyepi?
Yes, you can talk during Nyepi, but it's best to keep your volume low to respect the tradition.
Can you walk around during Nyepi?
No, walking around during Nyepi is forbidden. You should stay indoors or within the hotel compound at all times. Local guards called pecaling patrol the streets during Nyepi and they have the power to penalise those caught wandering around outside.
Are hotels open during Nyepi?
Don't worry, you won't be out of a place to stay. Hotels are open during Nyepi, and most will provide basic services or access to pools and other common facilities.
Some hotels also offer special packages during Nyepi, which may include meal services, meditation sessions, stargazing, and other wellness or cultural activities to promote reflection and rejuvenation.
What happens before and after Nyepi?
The Hindu Balinese carry out the Melasti ritual three to four days before Nyepi. Sacred objects and offerings are carried to rivers or the sea, where people bathe and chant prayers to purify themselves. The Bhuta Yajna ritual is also performed to banish negative energy and restore balance with God and nature. Live animals are sacrificed, and near sunset, people bang pots and pans and burn torches to chase away demons.
Perhaps the most spectacular of all is the ogoh-ogoh parade, which happens on the eve of Nyepi. Fearsome effigies representing malevolent spirits are paraded through the streets and burned, symbolically purging bad energy from the island before the new year. You can catch these parades all around Bali—Paputan Square in Denpasar, Ubud Palace in Ubud, and Batu Bolong in Canggu are just some spots.
Bali comes back to life after Nyepi, when friends and family reunite, seek forgiveness, and perform religious rituals together. This is known as Ngembak Geni, which means "relighting the fire."
ICYMI: Balinese illustrator Cokorda Martin on the island's enduring spirit and spots that inspire him most
Plus: How to spend 48 hours in Bali
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