March 16,2010 – Nyepi is a Balinese “Day of Silence”
Nyepi is a Balinese “Day of Silence” that falls on Bali’s Lunar New Year (in 2010, it was on March 16). 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
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org
Nyepi Day 16 March 2010
Balinese New Year – Nyepi
Each year, between mid-March and mid-April, the people of Bali celebrate their traditional new year, know as Nyepi. The day itself falls on the first new moon after mid-March. Preparations begin a month or so before the festival, with the construction of large bamboo and papier-mâché demonic effigies called ogoh-ogohs by each village. These representations of evil spirits are paraded through the village, accompanied by a cacophony of gongs and cymbals, on the eve of Nyepi, called Tawur Agung Kesanga. On reaching the main square or intersection, the ogoh-ogohs are set on fire. The noise, music and flames are supposed to chase away the demons for another year.
Nyepi itself is a day of total silence. No work is done, no fires may be lit, and no one should be seen outside (I’m told there should be no lovemaking on this day as well). Most of these rules even apply to tourists, so you need to be aware of this when planning your trip. On the day of Nyepi, the airport is closed (yes, closed), no taxis are allowed on the street and room blinds should be closed. Most hotels will allow you to freely use the hotel facilities, but you are asked not to leave the hotel grounds. Since a lot of the hotel workers are from Java, they are allowed to work on this day, while native Balinese get to practice their day of contemplation.
The next Nyepi probably falls on 16 March 2010. This is an estimated date, based on lunar cycles. It may be off by a day or two – or a month.
Source : http://balisweetietour.com
Balinese New Year – Nyepi
Each year, between mid-March and mid-April, the people of Bali celebrate their traditional new year, know as Nyepi. The day itself falls on the first new moon after mid-March. Preparations begin a month or so before the festival, with the construction of large bamboo and papier-mâché demonic effigies called ogoh-ogohs by each village. These representations of evil spirits are paraded through the village, accompanied by a cacophony of gongs and cymbals, on the eve of Nyepi, called Tawur Agung Kesanga. On reaching the main square or intersection, the ogoh-ogohs are set on fire. The noise, music and flames are supposed to chase away the demons for another year.
Nyepi itself is a day of total silence. No work is done, no fires may be lit, and no one should be seen outside (I’m told there should be no lovemaking on this day as well). Most of these rules even apply to tourists, so you need to be aware of this when planning your trip. On the day of Nyepi, the airport is closed (yes, closed), no taxis are allowed on the street and room blinds should be closed. Most hotels will allow you to freely use the hotel facilities, but you are asked not to leave the hotel grounds. Since a lot of the hotel workers are from Java, they are allowed to work on this day, while native Balinese get to practice their day of contemplation.
The next Nyepi probably falls on 16 March 2010. This is an estimated date, based on lunar cycles. It may be off by a day or two – or a month.
Source : http://balisweetietour.com
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