NYEPI IN BALI

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 9^th 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, 6^th 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, 8^th 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, 9^th 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, 10^th 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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