Nyepi Day in Bali

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New Year (in 2010, it will be on March 16). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. Travelers to Bali will have a great opportunity to sense a unique and magical atmosphere when Balinese Hindus celebrate New Year Eve.

The Nyepi Day is the day of absolute silence throughout the island when no activity is done, no traffic is seen anywhere, no fire is lit and no amusement held along the day. For the Balinese Hindus, the Nyepi Day is the day of self - introspection for Hindu followers when the entire island turns to be just like being deserted. The observance will start before sunset on March 16, 2010 and will last until sunrise on March 17, 2010.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

When the event takes place, Bali will be the only place where people are ignoring any activities the whole day. All of the flights at the International Ngurah Rai Airport, harbor and other kinds of transportation are closed all day long. Lights in public areas, corridors and balconies will be switched off. All recreational spots will be temporarily closed. Therefore, it would be advisable for domestic and foreign visitors to stay at their own hotels.

All business enterprises, academic matters, government offices and other public services will be temporarily closed, except for some hotels that are only allowed to hold such inbound activities, within the minimized lights and noises, and the guests will be asked to stay inside the hotel. Activities in emergency rooms and maternity section of hospitals will be allowed. Any emergencies will be taken into consideration and tolerated.

Nyepi is derived from the word 'sepi' that means silent. As a religious event of Balinese Hindus, Nyepi is a symbolical replay of these philosophical principles. The world is 'clean' in the beginning of the year.

All Hindu followers will be obliged to do the Catur Brata Penyepian (four ways of realization the Nyepi Day).

* There should not be fire (amati geni)
* No works or activities to do (amati karya).
* They won't be allowed to have fun (amati lelanguan)
* Not to travel (amati lelungan).

These prohibitions are aimed at controlling themself and submission to God. Everybody has to stay in the individual houses. No lights in the house, no sounds of radio and no works, just keep silent. It is totally silence. The anti-climax of the meditation will be held the following day. It is called Ngembak Geni, where the people are happy and blessed for their success of controlling themselves. It is also the day of get-togetherness and family gathering.