All Things Nyepi - Bali

All Things Nyepi - Bali

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Posted 2023-04-12 by Gerri Sfollow
Nyepi is New Year's Day in the Balinese Saka Calendar and one of the (if not THE) most important days for the people of Bali. With this in mind there is plenty to know about this marvellous day, plenty of tips I can't wait to share with you AND plenty of reasons why I love this special time.



What is Nyepi?

Sadly for most of the world, they have never heard of Nyepi which is a shame as it's such a wonderful experience.

For the Balinese Hindu community, Nyepi is the start of the new year. It's also known as the Day of Silence which I'll talk about more later.

It's a day of cleansing the island and getting ready for a new, positive start to the new year. Although Nyepi is the big day, there is a lot that happens in the run-up to the main event.

It's important to check your calendar as the day of Nyepi changes, for example, Nyepi 2022 was on the 3rd of March, 2023 the 23rd but for 2024 it is due on the 11th whereas 2025 will be celebrated on the 29th.

The reason for this is that the date falls on the day after the dark moon of the spring equinox.

What happens BEFORE Nyepi

The preparations and celebrations start many days and in fact, many weeks before. The celebration actually lasts for 6 days.

As the day approaches, you'll notice an increase in the number of offerings left outside houses, businesses, at the beach and on the road. You'll also hear a lot more of the traditional gamelan instruments played in the local Banjars and Temples. And you may see more religious walks and ceremonies with the Balinese people dressed in their traditional Kebaya. Normally two days before, they walk towards the coast to get sacred water from the sea and purify religious objects along the way.



One of the main things you'll see are huge, ugly papier-mâché statues called Ogoh-Ogoh.

Ogoh - Ogoh

They are supposed to be evil-looking creatures that catch the attention of evil spirits searching the earth looking for ways to torment people. The Ogoh-Ogoh are designed to catch the attention of these evil spirits and encourage them to the island! Why ? ... I'll explain more later… !

In the week or two before Nyepi my daughter and I love to go for a drive and spot the different Ogoh-Ogoh as they are truly incredible, albeit hideous, works of art. The fabulous displays can take up to 2 months to make and are even displayed along the side of the roads leading up to the main event.



The night before the statues are carried around certain areas and there is lots of noise and a wonderful party feel. It's a real contrast to the day of silence which follows in the morning! Some parades event set fire to the Ogoh-Ogoh but I haven't seen that recently.

Be sure to ask around (perhaps in your hotel, restaurants or on social media) as it is common for there to be small parades and displays before the big one the night before. The main ones happen in Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Denpasar. There are also plenty of smaller ones at local Banjars which are just as enjoyable and a lot less crowded!
What happens ON Nyepi?

The day after Ogoh-Ogoh is the Day of Silence, the other name for Nyepi. And for 24 hours silence is exactly what happens. Why? Do you remember those evil spirits I mentioned before? Well, they arrive in Bali on Nyepi and find an island that's seemingly deserted, with no sign of human life. With no one to torment they leave meaning Bali is cleansed and evil-free for the year ahead!

It is also a day for the Balinese Hindus to practice their religion through prayer, meditation and fasting. No one is allowed to disturb the people that want to connect to their God which means that NO ONE is allowed to disturb the silence.

These are the strict rules:
  • Amati Geni - No lights, flames or electricity
  • Amati Lelungan - No transport - even the airport will be closed and it also means no going outside including to the beaches. The only exception is in the case of an emergency and then you will be escorted to the hospital.
  • Amati Karya - No working
  • Amati Lelanguan - No entertainment

  • To ensure these rules are followed and to help you a group of people from the local Bajar called 'Pecalang" will patrol the streets.

    From a foreigner's point of view, no one will come into your house to see how strictly you are adhering to the rules. With that said, you must not go outside and also be as quiet as possible. Keep the lights off or at least as low as possible. Be respectful. If that is not for you check out my trips below.

    Tips

  • ATM Machines - On the afternoon before Nyepi cash machines will be turned off. Be sure to withdraw any money you may need to enjoy a meal or the Ogoh-Ogoh parades before lunchtime the day before.
  • Internet - every year there is a big question as to whether the Internet will be on or off. Some years it is, some years only a handful of supplies turn it off and other years it's just been really patchy. My advice would be to simply enjoy a tech-free day to play it safe.
  • Electricity - The same applies to electricity. One year we spent Nyepi in Lembongan and the power was turned off for the whole day. Whereas in Bali it was just expected not to turn lights on. Be sure to ask around and perhaps have an icebox ready for frozen food. And fully charge any devices you may need.
  • Food - Go shopping the day before to make sure you have enough food if you are choosing not to fast.
  • Hotel packages - If all this sounds too much for you then you'll find plenty of hotel packages to match your budget. Hotels offer WiFi, and activities for children and adults alike, and are allowed to have lights on (although your curtains will normally be taped closed so the light from your room can't be seen outside.)

  • Why I love it

    Personally, I love Nyepi and all the days that lead up to it. It's an amazing way to see the true spiritual side of Bali. If, like us, you are not following it strictly it's a day to catch up on your reading, pamper yourself or even do some yoga at home. Enjoy a jigsaw and time with family with no expectations that messages will be replied to or appointments need to be fulfilled.

    For us, though the best part is the night sky as the number of stars you can see when there is no artificial light from the whole island is incredible.

    I hope you enjoy this special time as much as we do as a family. Let me know in the comments any other tips, what you got up to AND what your favourite part was.

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    92201 - 2023-06-11 08:57:57

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