Nyepi – The Balinese Day of Silence

Nyepi is the traditional New Year according to the Balinese Saka calendar, and is often referred to as the Balinese Day of Silence. It’s a day of quiet reflection and a perfect time to experience the true beauty of Bali away from the rampant nightlife and music.

Nyepi is compulsory throughout all of Bali one day every March. Foreigners are not exempt and the entire island shuts down for 24 hours during the celebration — there’s no access to airports, roads or businesses during this time. For Hindus, it’s the most holy time of the year and to be treated with utmost respect, whether you practice or not.

The days leading up to Nyepi are nearly the opposite. A six-day celebration ensues that features prominent performances, loud music and parades. The night before Nyepi begins with large Ogoh Ogoh statues carried through the streets. There are also a series of rituals performed. The first, the Malasti Ritual, is to acquire sacred water from the sea and occurs three days before Nypei. The Bhuta Yajna ritual, wherein locals make sacrifices and offerings to vanquish negative elements, occurs just one day before. After Nyepi, the Ngembak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual occurs to break the silence and celebrate the official beginning of the New Year.

If given the opportunity, visiting Bali during this sacred time is a must. The juxtaposition of complete silence against a week of revelry is both completely jarring and indescribably beautiful at once.