Bali (9/03/16).
Nyepi is a Balinese “Day of Silence” that is
commemorated every Isaawarsa (Caka New Year 1938) according to the Balinese
calendar which fell on March 9th 2016. It is Hindu celebration in
Bali, Indonesia. Nyepi, a Government holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence,
fasting and meditation for the Balinese.
There are some events before and after Nyepi Day as
follow:
MELASTI
OR MEKIYIS : Sunday, 6th March 2016.
Melasti
ceremony held once a year to coincide the welcome of Nyepi Day / Silent Day.
Melasti procession is usually held four / three days before Nyepi / Silent Day.
This is done because in accordance to the purpose of this ceremony where before
Nyepi Day that all the elements at Bhuana Alit and Bhuana Agung should be clean
and pure. This is very important because the feelings / heart clean and pure,
we can implement Nyepi Day perfectly. On this day, Kuta Beach will be closed
starting 06.00 a.m. until the ceremony is finished and some of the roads around
Kuta Beach also close for a while, during the parade
procession is held.
PENGERUPUKAN
DAY : Tuesday, 8th
March 2016
The day before Nyepi is called
Pengerupukan Day. It is time for Hindus people making offerings targeted at
Bhuta Kala or can be called negative things that will not interfere in people's
lives.
Pengerupukan
conducted shortly after mecaru, is to create a flame or torch to torch the
house, ring the gong to make noise. So expect the Bhuta Kala get out of our
environment.
At the village
level held processions Ogoh-Ogoh. It’s very identical with Nyepi Day in Bali.
It can be said that Ogoh-Ogoh is the most interesting event among the series of
Nyepi Ceremony.
NYEPI DAY : Wednesday,
9th March 2016
Nyepi
is started at 6 in the morning after Pengerupukan night and will be lasting
until 6 in the next morning. Nyepi Day is reserved for self-reflection and as
such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main
restricted are: no lighting fires; 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. The
only people to be seen outdoors are 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 Street, and the only Airport in Bali remains closed
for entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying
those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.
NGEMBAK GENI :
Thursday, 10th March 2016
Following
Nyepi Day is a Balinese holiday known as Ngembak Geni. What is special about
this day is traders are allowed to sell their goods on the beach, it is called
Pasar Maja Langu on the beaches from Kuta up to Seminyak and centralized in the
front of Segara Temple Kuta. This once a year event is fabulous and always
popular with the locals and domestic tourists as well as those from overseas.
It is a great family event with the market open from morning until late at
night.
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