Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New
Year. It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following
Nyepi is also celebrated as New year Gudi Padva in Maharashtra and
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India
Observed from 6
a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for
self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that
purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and
lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no
traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of
these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are
empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs
of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen
outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the
streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.
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.
On the
day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again
quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one
another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.
*
First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is
dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa and is performed at the beach to
respect them as the owner of The Land and Sea. The ritual performed in
temple near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and
Pralingga (sacred objects) belongs to several temples, also to acquire
sacred water from the sea.
* Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is
performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create balance
with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual also meant to appease Batara
Kala by Pecaruan offering. Devout Hindu Balinese villages usually make
ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper symbolizing negative
elements or malevolent spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh have been paraded
around the village, the Ngrupuk ritual takes place, which involves
burning the ogoh-ogoh.
* Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
o Amati Geni: No fire/light
o Amati Karya: No working
o Amati Lelunganan: No traveling
o Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no revelry/self-entertainment
* Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM (e.g. March 26, 2009) and continues to 6:00 AM the next day.
* Fifth, The Ngebak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all
Hindus to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come.
* Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed as the Nyepi Day or "Day of Silence."
