24/03/2020
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2020, it falls on March 25). ... Nyepi, a public holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day.
Here are the main rules to follow as of 6am on the 17th of March until 6am on the 18th of March:
• Do not go out onto the street: Everyone is required to stay inside the premises in which they reside on Nyepi. There is no traffic on the roads or people on the streets. Every village will assign local law enforcers (pecalang) to patrol the streets via bicycle to ensure that no one leaves their accommodation.
• No motor vehicles may be used: With the exception of emergency services.
• Be quiet: If we haven’t conveyed the whole ‘silent’ factor of Nyepi yet. Keep the noise level to a minimum- no one outside your room should be able to hear you.
• No light: This is the most magical element of Nyepi. Because when there is no light pollution in the sky, oh boy, do those stars shine! Make sure you take glimpse of the shimmering skyline after sundown. It may just be the finest part of the whole experience of Nyepi. You can use low lighting to navigate around your indoor space as long as it isn’t visible from the exterior of the room- use your shutters.
• No electricity: This is a debateable one, as some people still use it. Technically you shouldn’t. But there won’t be anyone in your room to police this. If you do choose to use electricity, use it on things that won’t disturb the peace (i.e. no stereos, speakers, TVs). Turn off any automated electronics that may cause a disturbance (pool pumps, sensor lighting etc.)
