Nyepi - a Hindu Event

Nyepi is a Hindu event which is celebrated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year). Nyepi is celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. It is also called the “Day of Silence” where every Balinese Hindu is required to stay at home and meditate. Nyepi is considered a public holiday in Indonesia. The following day after Nyepi is considered as the new year’s for the balinesse, the ceremony is called “Omed-omedan” or the “Kissing Ritual” to celebrate the new year, in India the ceremony is called “Ugadj”. The day after  is also a celebration known as the “Ngembank Geni”, the purpose of this activity is to ask forgiveness from one another & perform religious rituals together for the family & friends. The main objectives of Hari Raya Nyepi is to ask to the Esa / Ida Sanghyang Widhi Wasa, to make the universe a sacred place (Bhuana Alit)

The duration of Nyepi is 24 hours (from 6 am until 6 am the next morning). Nyepi is a day for self reflection and meditation, things that may obstruct the prayer is restricted such as lighting fires, working, entertainment, pleasure, traveling, talking, eating at all. During Nyepi the streets in Bali is empty, noise are rarely heard, & no activity is seen inside houses. The only people that is patrolling outside is the Pecallang, it is a traditional security who patrol in the streets to ensure the prayers are followed .

During Nyepi, tourist & other non Hindu residents are allowed to perform their casual activites. But beaches & airports are closed during the ceremony. Only ambulance is allowed to be used during the ceremony, incase some life threatening things happen. The night before Nyepi there is a ritual procession which is called “Tawur Kesanga” Childrens usually carry flames & torches as a symbol to burn the evil spirit.

There are 6 rituals that is performed before, during, and after nyepi. The Melasti Ritual is performed 3–4 days before Nyepi. The ritual is a prove of dedication to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. The place where the ritual is performed is in Pura  and there are several objects that needs to be worshipped such as Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga, the pobjects are placed in several temples. The Second ritual is Bhuta Yajna Ritual, the purpose of this ritual is to diminish negative elements and create an equal balance with God, Human, and Nature. Hindu Balinese poeple usually make ogoh-ogoh (evil statues) made of bamboo and styrofoam which symbolize evil spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh is made, they burn the ogoh-ogoh, the ritual is performed around the village.Third, The Nyepi Rituals are performed. Fasting is required & no entertainment is allowed. And then The Yoga/Brata Ritual is performed, it is a 24 hour rtual which starts at 6 am. The last ritual is Ngembak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual, the purpose of this activity is to ask forgiveness from one another & perform religious rituals together for the family & friends.