Nyepi: Celebrating a New Year in Bali with a Silent Day in Bali

Only .7% of the American population practices Hinduism, so it is a religion that I had been pretty unfamiliar with. Before going to Indonesia, I knew that it was predominately a Muslim country, but the island of Bali is largely Hindu and I was intrigued to learn more. When one of my trips coincided with New Year in Bali, it was an opportunity to find out about the unique religion on the island and the traditions that coincide with the holiday.

Balinese Culture and Hinduism

Balinese Hinduism is a unique religion that is deeply rooted in their culture. Hindu is a deity religion, where there are different gods and spirits. The main goal of the Balinese religion is to keep in balance with the forces of dharma and adharma. Much like other religions there are three “worlds”, an upper, middle and lower that each have their own meanings.

Consequently, each village will have three temples leaving speculation that there are over 20,000 temples on the small island. The temples honor Brahma the creator, Wisnu the preserver and Siwa the destroyer.

The culture and religion are just a few of the incredible things about Indonesia. Balinese Hinduism is a distinct sect of Buddhism, so even their religion, much like the rest of the island is like nothing else on earth.

Daily Offerings: Canang Sari

Once in Bali you will find small baskets full of rice and flowers everywhere, sitting on the ground outside of shops and restaurants, resting below statues and shrines. These are offerings to the gods and are for good luck and prosperity. These are small gestures that are made and placed around daily, and although you try carefully to walk around them you’ll most likely accidentally smush one or two while roaming through the streets of Bali.

Sound of Silence: Nyepi and a silent day in Bali

Melasti

There are several events and rituals leading up to the celebration of Nyepi. Melasti is usual two to four days before the new year and is a day of celebration. There is a processional that will lead to a beach in a purification/cleansing ceremony. Everyone who is participating will be dressed completely in white and is a beautiful moment right near the ocean.

Tawur Agung

The eve of Nypei, tawur agung is when rituals are performed to scare away evil spirits. Large, creepy paper-mache figures called Ogoh-Ogoh are made in the weeks before Nyepi and are carried through a processional and burned during the ceremony to scare demons away. They are menacing looking creatures and it is eery to see them all lined up outside of some of the handicraft shops in preparation for the events. Drums, fiery torches and parades of people make for a a loud and fun celebration just before the day of silence.

Nyepi

A day of silence commemorating the Balinese new year, this quiet day is dedicated for meditation and reflection and there are many restrictions that come along with the celebration like little or no electricity, no working, no traveling, staying indoors and for some people, fasting. Symbolically the day of silence is to trick the evil spirits into thinking there is no one on the island. No one goes out of their homes, all public areas even the airport are closed and this is enforced by a traditional police force called Pecalang. It’s an interesting experience to have a hush over such a bustling island, the feeling as if it’s deserted when normally it’s full of motorbikes and tourists.

There are four prohibitions when engaging with New Year in Bali traditions. No fire (modernly no lights), no travel, no entertainment and no activity. These four mandates make most routines cease for the day to honor the holiday.

What to expect when visiting Bali during Nyepi?

There are no flights in and out of the Ngurah Rai International Airport for 24 hours during Nyepi, so if you are already in Bali and don’t want to be on the island for the festivity, then leaving a day or two prior is best.

If you decided to stick around for Nyepi just remember that restaurants will be closed, shops are shut down and traffic is non existent. Visitors, like locals are encouraged to participate, staying indoors for the day and using the time for reflection and meditation. Hotels will be operating as usual and you can take advantage of the amenities and activities on the property where you are staying.