Bali is well known for its spiritual and cultural traditions, making Bali one of the most unique islands to visit in Indonesia. Nyepi is an especially important holiday in Bali and is taking place on the 19th of March. If you are going to be travelling to Bali then, here are some things you should know.
Nyepi is the Balinese New Year and unlike the typical New Years filled with parties and fireworks, the Balinese start their New Year with stillness and spiritual renewal.
It is also called the “Day of Silence” and the belief behind this silence is that it will help to cleanse the island of negative energy and restore the balance between the people, nature and spirits on the island. For twenty-four hours, Bali will come to a complete stop.
According to the belief of the Balinese, the New Year can bring unwanted spirits and negative energy. Nyepi becomes a form of spiritual protection and creates a sort of illusion that Bali is uninhabited and so these energies just pass by without suspecting anything.
In this time, everyone practices the Catur Brata Penyepian, which are the four principles of Nyepi:
There are two other ceremonies that take place before Nyepi. These two ceremonies are called the Melasti Ceremony and the Ogoh Ogoh Parade.
The Melasti Ceremony happens a few days before Nyepi. Balinese communities all over Bali walk down to the beach or to rivers carrying sacred temple objects.
In the Balinese culture, water is seen as a very powerful cleanser. People bring these objects to the water and believe the water will wash away bad karma and purify the objects in preparation for the new year.
On the evening before Nyepi is the Ogoh Ogoh parade. Ogoh Ogoh are big handmade statues that communities come together to make for this night. These staties symbolise human flaws or negative forces.
During the night, these statues are paraded through the streets of Bali and at the end of the parade they are destroyed or burned.
On the day of Nyepi at 6am, Bali will come to a complete stop for the next 24 hours. The crowded streets will be empty, shops will be closed and even the airport will shut down. As we move into the night, the absence of light will reveal the most beautiful star-filled sky!
Nyepi gives everyone an opportunity to be present and reflect. It is a day that feels very calming and helps the island reset itself.
To make sure you honour this day, please read the following guidelines:
Nyepi is so much more than just a holiday and to be able to experience this event that happens only once a year is an amazing opportunity!
Join us to experience this day together and it is something you will remember for the days to come.
