Nyepi: what you should know about the most important Balinese holiday
As you may know most of the Balinese are Hindus. Therefore, both Christmas and New Year's Eve in Bali are traditionally not celebrated in December. Instead, they celebrate Nyepi, one of the biggest and most important holiday in Hinduism.
The Balinese New Year: 5 days of festivities
The Balinese New Year traditionally starts with Nyepi, a very sacred and important Hindu holiday on the Island. Actually, it is more a sacred week with many rituals before and after Nyepi.
Every Saka Calendar year, there are 5 days of celebrations, starting a few days before Nyepi day with Melasti. During the day the Bhutanese Yajna Ritual is performed, where negative elements are vanquished to create a balance with God, Mankind and Nature. Offerings are made as well to win over, Batara Kala, the God of the underworld.
At sunset in the evening before Nyepi the ritual of pengerupukan begins. Hindu Balinese parade the streets with Ogoh Ogoh’s and play instruments very loudly in order to scare the evil spirits. Ogoh Ogoh’s are large demonic looking statues which are symbolic of evil spirits. Many devout Hindu Balinese begin making their Ogoh Ogoh’s two months before so be sure not to miss this once a year event.
The last day of festivities is Nyepi day, a day of absolute silence and self reflection
Nyepi - a day of silence
Nyepi is dedicated to connecting more with God. Throughout the day people pray, meditate and fast in order to reflect as well as consider their values.
Typically, the whole island closes down for this day and the Hindu Balinese stay at home during this time. They do not speak to each other, answering phones or taking in guests. There won’t be any lights, cars, motorbikes, people on the roads or at the beaches. No form of physical working, movement or travel or self entertaining and even the airport is closed. Only public services such as hospitals and transportation for the sick will still be running on this day. The shutdown for Nyepi begins at 6am and does not end until 6am the next day. Nyepi is meant to be spent in meditation or praying to shrines at home.
After Nyepi, is the Hindu Balinese New Years Day where they visit their families and ask for forgiveness before starting the new year.
Being a tourist while Nyepi
If you’re staying in Bali during Nyepi it can be a special experience that you might not get to participate in again. Make sure to know where you will be during this day and what the rules are at the accommodation you’re staying at. Feel free to join in and have your own day of solitude with self contemplation or carry about your day inside where you are staying. Be respectful and enjoy this unique day.
In 2023 the festivities will take part between March 19th until March 22th:
March 21st: Ogoh Ogoh
March 22nd: Nyepi
