Planning to spend Nyepi in Bali? Read these Frequently Asked Questions

With the ongoing pandemic, changes among festivities and celebrations have emerged. One of which is Nyepi, Balinese Day of Silence, a day when they commemorate New Year’s in the Balinese Saka Calendar. Some might have experienced this special day on the Island of the Gods, while others plan their future trip to Bali, hoping to experience Nyepi on their visit. You might even have some questions about this religious tradition.

To get you informed about this special day in Bali, here are 5 most frequently asked questions about Nyepi.

What is Nyepi?

Nyepi is a Hindu religious celebration, often referred to as Balinese New Year. It is when the entire island turns off all lights, sounds, and stops all daily activities. These restrictions follow four precepts of Catur Brata:

Amati Geni: The prohibition of lighting fires, the use of lighting or satisfying pleasurable human appetites.

Amati Karya: The prohibition of all forms of physical work other than those dedicated to spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Amati Lelungan: The prohibition of all movement or travel; requiring people to stay within their homes.

Amati Lelangunan: The prohibition of all forms of entertainment, recreation, or general merrymaking.

Many people in Bali use this day to reflect upon themselves while meditating, deserting all worldly activities. It is a day of complete silence and when serenity reigns over the entire island.

When is Nyepi celebrated?

Different from other new year’s days which fall on the first day of the first month, Nyepi falls on the first day of the tenth month, or sasih kedasa, one day after the ninth new moon. This day appears in March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Because the Hindus' calendar is based on the lunar calendar, the calculation of the day, month, and year is different. This changes the date of the celebration from one year to the next. This year in 2022, Nyepi is celebrated on March 3rd. On this date, all means of transportation, including planes, cars, buses, and ships do not operate. Ngurah Rai International Airport and all transport hubs in Bali will close during Nyepi. Please check the official sites of each transport hub for further updates.

Are there any special rules to be obeyed?

Bali applies specific rules to follow for 24 hours during Nyepi. Although Nyepi is a religious holiday celebrated by the Hindus, non-Hindus, including foreigners and locals, are not exempted from these regulations.

First, you're prohibited from going outside. Avoid traveling during Nyepi and stay indoors.

Second, bright lights or lighting a fire are prohibited. If you're in a hotel, low light inside your hotel room at night is still allowed. But turning the lights on for your hotel balcony is prohibited.

Third, you're prohibited from making loud noises. Hotels in Bali still allow you to watch television and/or radio. But keep in mind not to make loud noises. Keep the volume to a minimum.

If you are seen in Bali breaking any of these rules, you will be stopped and penalized by pecalang or local watchmen. They stroll around the neighborhood to keep an eye on lawbreakers. So be sure to respect these traditions and obey the regulations.

What are the do’s and don’ts?

Do stay inside your hotel accommodation. Many resorts still offer indoor activities during the Day of Silence.

Do book a plane ticket prior to and after the date of Balinese Day of Silence.

Do stay quiet and keep your voice volume and/or any electronic devices at a minimum. It is best to use your headset or headphones when listening to your phone and/or any of your gadgets.

Do prepare all supplies, ranging from food, medicines to other necessities, before Nyepi starts.

Do call the hotel assistance for an ambulance if an emergency arises and you need to go to the hospital.

Don't try going outside on Nyepi. If you attempt to disobey, you will be stopped by pecalang or local watchmen, who stroll around Bali for any wrongdoers.

Don’t book a plane ticket at the date of Nyepi. No planes will land or take off for 24 hours.

Don't talk too loud, scream, or create any noisy commotion.

Don't buy your necessities during Nyepi. You are not allowed to go out, even to buy your daily supplies. Moreover, all shops and markets will be closed.

Don't attempt to go to the hospital yourself when you are sick. All means of public transportation will not be available.

Are there any festivities around Nyepi Day?

Before the pandemic, a series of rituals and festivities are celebrated widely on the island. The first of ritual is Melasti (also called Melis or Mekiis). The ritual is performed at the Pura (Balinese temple) near a sea, lake, or river (Pura Segara). This ritual is meant to purify effigies, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to the temples and acquire sacred water.

The next ritual is the merriest one, Ngrupuk, also known as Tawur Agung or Tawur Kesanga. This ceremony is done to cleanse all evil influences in life. This is done by performing the mecaru ritual at a crossroad in each village. Additionally, the villagers also carry papier-mache, Ogoh-Ogoh, symbolizing the character of Bhuta Kala or the evil spirit around the village and then burn it. Ngrupuk occurs on the eve of Nyepi.

However, due to the pandemic's current situation, the Ogoh-Ogoh ritual will not proceed. This year, the rest of the rituals will be held by following strict CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) health protocols.

How will the Nyepi Day of 2022 be celebrated?

In regards to the pandemic situation in 2022, the celebration of Nyepi in the Saka Year 1944 will be held in accordance to the Protocol for the Order of the New Era of Life and the Circular Letter of the Traditional Village Council Number 104/MDA-Prov Bali/II/2022 Year 2022, namely as follows:

For the Traditional Village whose area is close to Segara (sea), Melasti takes place on the beach;
For Indigenous Villages whose area is close to Danu (lake), Melasti takes place on the lake;
For Traditional Villages whose area is close to Campuhan (waterfall), Melasti takes place in waterfall;
For Traditional Villages that have Beji and/or Beji Temple, Melasti takes place in Beji (spring);
For Traditional Villages that do not carry out Melasti in those four places mentioned above, they can get Melasti by Ngubeng or Ngayat from the local temple;
Limit the number of participants who take part in the Melasti ceremony procession to a maximum of 50 people;
It is forbidden to use/sound firecrackers/firecrackers and the like;
For Hindus who feel sick or feel unwell, they are advised not to take part in the series of ceremonies;
The Ogoh-Ogoh procession at the time of Tawur Agung is not being held;
Catur Panyepian should be carried out with full sense of sradha bhakti

Unlike other New Year’s celebrations, Nyepi is quite the opposite of the festivities and loud fireworks. Instead, it is a time of reflection, bringing families closer together to a day of silence. It is one of the most cherished days in Bali. If you plan to experience this unique religious tradition on the island of gods, be sure to follow all CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) protocols. This includes:

● Constantly washing your hands with soap.

● Keeping physical distance during your travels.

● Always wearing your mask whenever you are out and about.