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, the Balinese Day of Silence, one of the biggest and most important holidays in Hinduism. The date changes from year to year because it’s based on the Hindu lunar calendar and falls one day after the ninth new moon. In 2023 Nyepi is celebrated on March 22nd.
The Balinese New Year: 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 of a sacred week with many rituals before and after Nyepi starting with Melasti a few days before Nyepi day. Melasti is performed at the Balinese temples where the Hindus purify sacred objects belonging to the temples and acquire sacred water.
At sunset in the evening before Nyepi the ritual Ngrupuk takes part. It is meant to cleanse all evil influences in life. Hindu Balinese parade the streets with Ogoh Ogohs 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 months before Nyepi 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, answer phones or take in guests. There won’t be any lights, cars, motorbikes, or people on the roads or at the beaches. No form of physical work, movement or travel or self-entertainment 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 6 am and ends at 6 am the next day. Nyepi is meant to be spent in meditation or praying to shrines at home.
In 2023 the festivities will take part between March 19th and March 22nd:
March 19th: Melasti
March 21st: Ngrupuk & Ogoh Ogoh
March 22nd: Nyepi
Nyepi at Kima
Also at Kima, we’ll honour this day of meditation and self-reflection. After enjoying the Ogoh Ogoh-parade the evening before, on Nyepi, we will dive into the Balinese culture. That also means we have to follow the Balinese rules for this day:
The use of lights and electricity is prohibited. This applies to phones, laptops and lights in the rooms and the whole camp.
No movement or travel, which means we are all going to stay together in the camp and nobody is allowed to exit the camp. You can’t check in or check out during Nyepi.
No entertainment or recreation. Unfortunately, we can not offer any surf classes or activities outside.
In order to make your stay comfortable during this special day, we’ll offer you some special indoor activities that follow Nyepi regulations.
Let’s start the day with a delicious breakfast all together and reflect on the impressions of the Ogoh Ogoh-parade. Between relaxing and tanning at the poolside, we’ll offer you different yoga, surf theory and surf practice classes during the day. Grab a drink at the bar or enjoy a massage. Show your creative side and unfold your potential during some macrame and crafting sessions or play some board games with our guests around the camp. For Nyepi, we provide you with a special lunch and dinner menu that is included in your stay. When the sun sets down we’ll be ready for star gazing and trying our best in meditation.
Feel free to join in and have your own day of silence with self-contemplation. Staying in Bali during Nyepi can be a special experience that you might not get to participate in again. Be respectful and enjoy this unique day.
