Nyepi

2023 - 3 - 22

Post cover — Image courtesy of "US Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia"

Security Alert - Nyepi Holiday in Bali (US Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia)

On Wednesday 23 March all U.S. government offices in Indonesia will be closed in observance of the national Nyepi (Silent Day) holiday.

Free of Covid-19 restrictions, Bali marks Nyepi New Year with colour ... (The Straits Times)

Devotees display an effigy known as Ogoh-Ogoh during a ceremony at the Prambanan temple in Sleman, Bali, on March 21, 2023. PHOTO: AFP. Jeffrey Hutton.

Approximately 87 per cent of Balinese identify as Hindus. “It’s a relief.” This year will also be the first time in living memory that Nyepi falls on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On the eve of the Balinese day of silence, villages were readying “ogoh-ogoh” statues of demons inspired by Hindu mythology to parade through some of the island’s busiest localities shortly after sundown on Tuesday. At the weekend, Hindus in their thousands flocked to the island’s beaches to mark Melasti – a ceremonial cleansing of the stains of the universe. No shopping.

Bali gears up for 24 hours of silence on Nyepi (Jakarta Post)

Bali is getting ready for a 24-hour rest as Balinese Hindus on the resort island will observe Nyepi, the day of silence, on Wednesday.

“I am sure that Nyepi falling on the first day of tarawih will be fine. This year, Nyepi is also expected to fall on the beginning of Ramadan, when Muslims perform the tarawih evening prayer. General manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, said the airport will temporarily suspend air travel operations, specifically for commercial flights, for 24 hours. We will spend the day in self-contemplation, evaluating what we have done in the past and what we should do to be a better person in the future,” Bali chairman of the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI) Bali Chapter, Nyoman Kenak, said on Monday. On the holiday, Balinese Hindus are prohibited from several activities. Bali is getting ready for 24 hours off as Balinese Hindus on the resort island will observe Nyepi, its day of silence, on Wednesday.

Nyepi and Ramadan religious observances align this year in ... (benarnews)

Side by side, Balinese Hindus observe a Day of Silence and Muslims prepare for the holy month of fasting.

“It is also a time to appreciate nature and its resources.” They also increase their prayers, charity and recitation of scripture. Then she waited for the time to perform pecaruan, a ritual to balance nature around her house. Nyepi, known as the Day of Silence, marks the new year in the local Saka calendar. The silence is meant to ward off any negative forces and allow people to reflect on themselves. Hindus follow four main rules: no work, no travel, no entertainment and no fire.

'I'm happy to have this slow day': Bali marks new year with day of ... (The Guardian)

To mark Nyepi, everything from the airport to local supermarkets and ATMs are closed, while residents and tourists remain inside for quiet self-reflection.

While the day provides a special moment of respite for the populous island, the run-up to Nyepi has been far from peaceful. As a result, the island enjoys its own unique set of annual celebrations and festivities often featuring colourful parades and offerings. “I’m happy to have this slow day … Balinese see Nyepi as a way to deter any returning evil spirits. “It’s special to know that you’re doing it with so many other people on this island.” Lasting 24 hours from 6am on 22 March, island residents and visitors are expected to shun entertainment, work, travel and even artificial light.

Hindus in Bali Hold Tawur Agung Kesanga Ceremony Before Nyepi ... (English Tempo.co)

Hindus in Denpasar City, Bali, held the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony on Tuesday, a day before the holy seclusion day, or Nyepi.

This year, at least three thousand Hindus in Denpasar joined the activity. "Earlier, the ceremony was done at the Puputan Square in Badung, (but now) according to (Hindu's) sacred literature, Catur Muka as Catus Pata (the wisdom that considers a statue at an intersection as a harmonizing energy) is the most appropriate place for the ceremony," he explained. TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hindus in Denpasar City, Bali, held the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony on Tuesday, a day before the holy seclusion day, or Nyepi, at the intersection of the Catur Muka (Four-Faced) Statue.