BALI’s DAY OF SILENCE “NYEPI” Saka New Year 1944 of Hindus
Unlike several other cultures all around the world who celebrate the New Year with dynamic and sparkling festivities, Hindus in Bali celebrate New Saka, a day dedicated to complete silence – NYEPI. During the 24 hours, people are expected to obey the Catur Brata Penyepian (Nyepi’s 4 fundamental prohibitions) which are Amati Karya (no work), Amati Geni (no fire, no light and no electricity), Amati Lelungan (no traveling) and Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment). This day is strictly dedicated to self-reflection. Anything that might interfere with that purpose is strictly prohibited. Hopefully by respecting those Catur Brata Penyepian, people can learn how to control their life and emotions.
This year, Nyepi Day falls on the 22nd of March.
To enjoy this very special day with us , know that
Seems to be hard restrictions but Nyepi is the perfect time to recharge, chill and enjoy introspection, and once you have experienced it, you just ask it to happen again !
THE SEQUENCE OF CEREMONY ON NYEPI CELEBRATION
The interesting thing is that Nyepi Day is not just about the day of Silence, but also about the sequence ceremonies preparing the Day.
Melasti – Island-wide Purification
Usually three or two days before Nyepi, Hindus perform purification by attending a Melasti Ceremony, called Melis/Mekiyis. On that day, all the praying facilities in the temple are paraded to the beach or lake, because the sea or lake is a source of holy water and can purify all the fatigue (dirty) inside humans and Nature.
Pengrupukan
The day before Nyepi (Pengerupukan Day), Hindus hold the Buta Yadnya Ceremony or “mecaru”, a ceremony to neutralize bad powers in human nature and the Universe. This Ceremony is addressed to the evil spirits so they will not disturb the people. It consists in torching around the house and the whole yard and hitting anything until it sounds noisy. This stage is done to expel the Buta Kala (evil spirits) from the home, yard, banjar and village. Specifically in Bali, Pengerupukan is usually enlivened by an “ogoh-ogoh” parade which is an embodiment of the Buta Kala, paraded around the environment, and then burned. The goal is the same: expelling the Buta Kala from the surrounding environment.
NYEPI Day
Hindus celebrate Nyepi for 24 hours. It is a day of fasting, silence and meditation with the purpose of returning to pure spiritual harmony. The entire island of Bali will come to a complete standstill When there is good weather, the sky is absolutely magnificent as we all stand in the dark. A unique moment and place to experience.
Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents and tourists are not exempt from the restrictions. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles responding to life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.
To ensure that all the rules are obeyed local guards known as Pecalang (Nyepi Police) are deployed all over the Island. If a light has been forgotten in an empty home, guards have the right to come in and turn off the light !
Ngembak Geni
Ngembak Geni, the day following Nyepi, activities of daily life come back to normal. Hindus in Bali usually pray to show gratitude, asking God to always give his protection to all mankind. Moreover, they will also share the Dharma Shanti (friendship and forgiveness) activities by visiting friends, family and society.
If we think deeply about the Nyepi celebration, it contains a very deep and noble meaning and purpose. Whole Nyepi series of spiritual activities are carried out by Hindus to manifest Harmony and Balance between People and Nature.
The implementation of Nyepi in Bali is indeed unique and special. The concept of Catur Brata Penyepian is indeed very relevant to the current world conditions. Our Earth is facing various problems such as global warming, nature damaged by pollution and massive exploitation, energy crisis and other issues caused by moral degradation.
Nyepi Silent Day celebration makes Bali as the only island in the world capable of resting the whole island from various activities during 24 hours!
Enjoy !
