Silent Day: The Balinese New Year Begins with Silence

Indonesia observes a Hindu holiday called Nyepi, or Silent Day, annually on Saka New Year. Bali is closely associated with the Nyepi celebration in Indonesia. Many consider the Silent Day festivities in Bali as an excellent opportunity to experience the island in a unique way. 

The island of Bali exclusively celebrates Silent Day, which is a deeply spiritual holiday. Tourists who plan to visit Bali during Silent Day should prepare themselves for the strict observances and limitations on activities throughout the day.

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The Meaning and Purpose of Silent Day (Nyepi)

Nyepi comes from the Indonesian word “Sepi” (quiet, silent). Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu New Year celebration based on the Saka calendar, which began in 78 AD. For Hindus in Bali, the Nyepi Day celebration means taking a day off from worldly activities and meditating. The purpose of the Nyepi Day celebration is to clear the island of any lingering misdeeds and unfavorable omens from the past year, creating a foundation for a fresh and positive start to the new year.

In 2024, Nyepi is scheduled for Monday, March 11th, starting at 6 a.m. and concluding 24 hours later at 6 a.m. on March 12th. The date of Nyepi varies annually based on the Balinese calendar. All services and activities on the island come to a complete stop for a continuous 24-hour period, and the streets become inaccessible to all. Even the airport suspends operations for the entire day, redirecting flights above to avoid disrupting the profound silence below. During this time, everyone is required to stay indoors, whether in their homes, villas, or hotels, without any disruptions – encompassing a restriction on travel, transportation, work, noise, and even light.

Fun Fact! : Nyepi Day inspired the United Nations, especially the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), to hold World Silent Day on March 21 every year.

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Silent Day Ceremony Sequence

Nyepi is not just a one-day celebration, but a series of interrelated activities. Here are the series of ceremonies before and after the silent day that might be interesting for you.

• Melasti

Hindus in Bali perform a purification ceremony three or two days before the silent day, the ceremony is called melasti ceremony or melis/mekiyis. In this melasti ceremony, all the prayer facilities in the temple at each banjar are paraded to a spring to be purified. The source of the spring in question could be something like the sea, river, or lake. According to belief, the spring is the source of Tirta Amerta (holy water), which has the power to purify all the “leteh” (dirty) elements in humans and nature.

Each customary banjar takes turns carrying out the Melasti ceremony, which lasts for the whole day. On this day, the road leading to the beach in Bali is likely to be congested. However, the police and “pecalang” (Balinese traditional security) are available to assist with control and direction. But don’t worry, the police and pecalang (Balinese traditional security) will help control and direct.

• Tawur Agung 

The Buta Yadnya ceremony, which is called tawur agung is held exactly one day before Silent Day. Returning or paying is defined as tawur agung. As is known, humans always take natural resources to sustain their lives.  The meaning of Tawur agung is to cleanse Bhuana Alit (human body) and Bhuana Agung (nature) based on the concept of Tri Hita Karana or harmonizing the relationships of the three important elements, namely humans and God, humans and nature and humans and humans. This Tawur Agung is carried out at the house, banjar, and village levels. The pecaruan in each house consists of rice with five colours (black, red, white, yellow, and shaggy colour), for a total of nine, with side dishes such as shaggy (mix of colours white, reg, black, and yellow) chicken and alcohol (arak).

• Pengerupukan

After Tawur Agung, people perform the Mebuu-buu ceremony, also called Pengerukan, by spreading Tawur rice around the house while making noise with a kentongan (a bamboo or wood drum). Purpose of the uproar was to expel Buta Kala from the house, yard and surroundings. In Bali, the dredging activities are usually enlivened by an Ogoh-ogoh parade. People parade the ogoh-ogoh around the traditional village environment, which represents the embodiment of Buta Kala, and then they burn them.

• Nyepi (Silent Day)

The next day, exactly one day after the new moon of Sasih Kesanga (the ninth month of the Saka Calendar), after the ogoh-ogoh parade will be Nyepi.  The Balinese will celebrate Silent Day 2023 or Saka 1945 on Wednesday, March 22nd. For 24 hours,  Hindus in Bali will meditate and reflect on themselves to be able to return to their true selves. During silent days, in addition to meditating and reflecting, individuals must adhere to four taboos, also known as “Catur Brata Penyepian.” These include Amati Geni, no fires (and lights must be kept dimmed as low as possible).

You can light a lamp if you have a baby or special needs and it should be under the permission of the Banjar. Amati Karya, no working.  You should not have any working activities during the day. Amati Lelanguan, no entertainment or pleasure. Usually, TV cable services get deactivated, and radio channels stay silent for the entire day. Since 2016, the government has also implemented a temporary shutdown of the internet on Nyepi day. Amati Lelungan, no traveling. During the Nyepi day, you are forbidden to go outside of your home. and, for some Upawasa, No talking or eating at all. From sunrise until the sunrise on the next day.

The only people that can go outside are Pecalang, usually, they will wear dark-colored Balinese Traditional outfits with kamen poleng – sarong with a chessboard motive. These are the traditional security personnel responsible for patrolling the streets to ensure compliance with the prohibitions. Pecalang patrols the streets taking day and night shifts and doesn’t hesitate to catch both locals and tourists. To avoid possible fines, it is advisable to remain inside your villa.

• Ngembak Geni

The last series of celebrations for the Saka New Year is Ngembak Geni, which falls right after Nyepi. Families and neighbors carry out Dharma Santi on this day, giving thanks and forgiving each other. The meaning of Dharma Santi is in accordance with the “Tattwmasi” philosophy, which views human beings as loving one another and deeply forgiving.

Read Also: Shocking fact about Silent Day (Nyepi) in Bali

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Facts of Nyepi (Silent Day) in Bali

1. The Emission of Carbon Dioxide is reduced on Nyepi Day

The most surprising fact about Nyepi is it reduces approximately 20.000 tons of Carbon Dioxide. The Nyepi rule, known as Amati Lelungan, prohibits the entry of outsiders. The local securities called Pecalang will patrol all day long to make sure no one is going out.

Amati Karya, also known as the prohibition of work, restricts people from engaging in any labor. The rules are valid for 24 hours, starting from 6.00 AM in the morning until 6.00 AM on the following day. That’s why no vehicle’s activities all day long on the road like bicycles, motorbikes, cars, planes, etc. By reducing carbon dioxide it saves the planet from global warming.

2. Bali saves 60% of its electricity

Another rule of Nyepi Day is Amati Geni which means no light and fires. No one is allowed to turn on their lamps and stoves. Therefore, Bali saves equal to 290 megawatts and is worth approximately 4 billion Rupiah.

People usually stop cooking and doing other activities at 6 a.m and back to their activities the following day at 6 a.m. Another astonishing aspect of Nyepi that may surprise you is the complete absence of TV and radio broadcasts, as well as a lack of internet connectivity throughout the entire day. There is no entertainment in any form.

3. Nyepi in Bali helps to save fuel in Bali

Nyepi saves fuel up to 500.000 liters of diesel which is equivalent to IDR 3 billion. This occurrence is a result of the closure of the power plants in Pemaron and Gilimanuk.

4. Inspire The World Silent Day (Nyepi)

World Silent Day (Nyepi) was initiated by Triple-C, Collaboration for Climate Changes, and officially set by the United Nations on March 21th. It aims to decrease all human activities that bring bad impacts to the earth such as global warming or climate change. Furthermore, Nyepi day served as the inspiration for World Silent Day.

5. The sky is full of stars in the evening of Nyepi in Bali

As there is no pollution at all and the closure of the power plants during the Nyepi day caused the sky to be really clean. Therefore, on the evening of Nyepi day, the sky dazzles with a multitude of stars, creating a breathtaking and infrequent sight not typically observed in daily life.

6. Bali’s Freshest air in the next morning

As there is no pollution and human activities for 24 hours, it’s more like giving the earth to break for a while. Then, of course, you will feel the freshest air in the morning after the Nyepi day.

7. Omed-Omedan festival after the Nyepi in Bali

Omed-omedan is a ritual of hugging and tugging each other between two groups of unmarried young women and men. This ritual has been taking place annually on the day immediately following Nyepi since the 17th century. Omed-omedan comes from the word ‘omed’ which means ‘tugging’. 

The Omed-omedan festival starts by praying together, and then there will be a Barong Bangkung performance. Subsequently, divide the young participants into two groups, one for women and one for men, and arrange them to face each other. Alternately, participants from each group are selected. Subsequently, these two groups engage in a playful interaction, with the chosen individuals from each group sharing a hug. When both of them already hug each other, each group will pull the youths apart that making the two young people might kiss each other. During the Omed-omedan ritual, the participants will actively douse these young individuals with water to free them both.

The purpose of this ritual is to promote positive social bonds and ward off bad luck. Regrettably, it is often misconstrued as a large-scale kissing gathering.

What is the Best Thing to do on Silent Day?

As mentioned earlier, people must follow several taboos during Nyepi. Local residents and tourists must comply with the taboo (Catur Brata Penyepian). These taboos do sound like limiting activities, but therein lies the beauty of Nyepi. Catur Brata Penyepian makes one day a year in Bali silent and seems to stop for a moment.  If you are staying in an accommodation such as a villa or hotel. There are often plenty of activities on offer from the management to keep you busy while still complying with the rules. Here are some activities that you could do to enjoy The Silent Day.

• Reading

Most people often procrastinate reading books on the grounds that they are busy or don’t have time. During Silent Day you certainly have a lot of free time to spend. The quiet atmosphere of Silent Day is the right time to read books and learn new knowledge.

• Yoga and Meditation

During Silent Day, one can practice yoga and meditation by staying in their villa or hotel and refraining from any other activities. With the quietness of Silent Day, you can concentrate more and focus while meditating. You can also do yoga to stay in shape and reduce stress in your body and mind.

• Fully Enjoy Hotel and Villa Facilities

Authorities do not permit tourists to travel or leave their accommodations on Silent Day. Despite this, tourists can seize the opportunity to enjoy the amenities available to them during this time.

Where to Stay When Having a Silent Day 

Villa Bodhi – Located in Bali’s highland of Ubud, Villa Bodhi is a secluded villa with a private driveway. Its intention is to guide you to a sprawling, artfully designed wooden estate with a breathtaking view. In addition, they prioritize adding a special touch to your experience by offering an incredible array of traditional foods served in the beautiful villa’s garden or delivered to your cottages. Everything at Villa Bodhi is specially prepared to help you get through The Silent Day.

Keliki Luxury Lodge – An extensive luxury villa situated on the edge of the jungle is suitable for large families or groups of 6 or more friends. Located 15 minutes from Ubud, where locals maintain the pulse of their traditions. The Keliki Luxury Lodge offers an unforgettable experience in a bamboo spa that redefines luxurious relaxation. In addition to receiving a massage, reflexology, facials, manicures, and pedicures, couples can enjoy a luxurious experience together.

Villa Casabama – This villa offers luxury services, facilities, and also the natural beauty of the east coast of Bali with the charm of vast black sandy beaches. Located around Saba Beach Gianyar with a view of the vast coconut trees and open sea from the second-floor balcony. If you feel the need for entertainment and relaxation. We also have a special room for a spa. And also a massage that is comfortable, luxurious, and very suitable for spa and massage. With this lots of in-house activities definitely help you get through Silent Day.

Villa Bodhi

Want to Take a Vacation on Silent Day? 

The silence for 24 Hours of silence will be a unique experience. Plan your vacation properly by spending time in Bali. To feel the silence of Silent Day in Bali, you can look for a Private Villa Ubud with Complete Facilities by visiting Ubud Villas Rental from Red Lotus Property.