Saturday, March 5, 2011

Happy Nyepi Saka 1933

Nyepi is a "Day of Silence" carried out by the Hindu people in the Island of Bali to commemorate every Saka New Year which this year is on 5 March. It is a Day of Silence, Fasting and Meditation from 6 a.m that day until 6 a.m the following morning.

Nyepi is reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is prohibited. The main prohibitions 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 a Hindu holiday, but non-Hindu residents of Bali followed the Day of Silence as well, to  respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempted; 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.

One 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.

Source : Wikipedia.

20 comments:

Meutia Halida Khairani said...

there's also Hindu-festival yesterday in Monas. My friend told me. The Festival was so crowd but it comes to Nyepi, it's so silen :|

Furree Katt said...

i think the concept of Nyepi is quite interesting! it's also good that the fellow citizens who aren't Hindu follow the regulations as well. it shows the tolerance and respect they have.
just like in Muslim countries, all restaurants are closed during the day in Ramadan, and non-Muslim citizens respect that aspect and not eat in front of Muslims who are fasting.

Unknown said...

@Meutia,
Yes I also heard about the event related to Nyepi that took place in Monas.

@Furree Katt,
Yes it is good that non-Hindu citizens also followed the Nyepi regulation, just like non Muslims
do not eat and drink in front of Muslims during Ramadhan.

colson said...

Such days) of introspection and abstinence has been traditional in many cultures. And with good reason. It seems to be a very positive tradition to me.

I wonder though why such specific characteristic habit has to be imposed on outsiders too? What's the need to compel those who don't share or understand your own set of believes and convictions to "respect" them?

Unknown said...

Hi Colson,
Religions in Indonesia tend to expects others to follow their way.
Balinese are devoted to their religion so they expect others who come to their island to respect their tradition.

attayaya_harimau said...

pernah liat Ogoh2 dahulu...
asiiik ya
rame

smp 3 lembang said...

saya harap perayaan nyepi berlangsung dengan lancar

Setyo-Utomo Said said...

We are devoted to our religion and tradition. Therefore, we really expect others who come here to respect our tradition too. One of the reason is to create solidarity and peace in our country. Happy Nyepi !

TUKANG CoLoNG said...

Nyepi juga memberi alam untuk ruang bernafas sejenak. :)

Unknown said...

@Attayaya_Harimau,
Iya Ogoh-ogoh seru.

@Smp3Lembang,
Semoga demikian adanya.

@Utomo,
Yes you are right Pak, we expect others to follow our rules so as to maintain peace and solidarity in Indonesia.

@TUKANG CoLoNG,
Selamat merayakan Hari Raya Nyepi.

Unknown said...

kadang memang kita butuh menyendiri,unruk merenungi apa yang sudh kita lakukan

Unknown said...

Wisata Murah,
Memang terkadang kita perlu untuk menyendiri dan merenung.

sawali tuhusetya said...

selamat hari raya nyepi buat saudara2 kita yang merayakannya. semoga dunia makin damai dan tenteram.

Banyu Waseso Segoro said...

selamat hari raya nyepi ....

Unknown said...

NyePi. . .
SePi. . .

^_^
KunjUngan pErtama. . .
sALam kEnaL??
"dHO"

TUKANG CoLoNG said...

met nyepi juga pak..)

Unknown said...

Interesting concept from a Western point of view. A quiet and peaceful day.


peter

Unknown said...

@Sawali,
Semoga Nyepi tahun ini akan membawa kedamaian dan kebahagiaan bagi umat manusia.

@Rubiyanto,
Terima kasih atas komentar anda.

@MaPHia Black,
Trima kasih atas follownya. Saya akan follow blog anda.

@TUKANG CoLoNG,
Terima kasih.

@Peter/Kiwi,
It is a nice concept indeed.

r10 said...

Sekarang katanya di Bali sekarang ada hotel yg menyediakan paket Nyepi

sepertinya paket tersebut lebih banyak melibatkan kegiatan di dalam hotel atau di pantai

Unknown said...

R10,
Paket Nyepi? ini ide menarik agar orang asing dapat enjoy juga dikala Nyepi.