Nyepi

Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu holiday that marks the Balinese New Year in the Saka calendar. Known as the Day of Silence, it is observed on a date that shifts each year. The day is set aside for self-reflection, prayer, and meditation, and life on the island typically comes to a standstill for 24 hours.

The lead-up to Nyepi includes the Ngerupuk ceremonies on the eve, when large effigies called ogoh-ogoh are paraded through villages and then burned to drive away evil spirits. In the days surrounding Nyepi, many communities perform purification rituals and temple ceremonies. On Nyepi itself, residents observe four prohibitions collectively known as Catur Brata Penyepian: amati geni (no lighting or fire), amati karya (no work), amati lelanguan (no entertainment or pleasures), and amati lelungan (no travel).

During Nyepi, travel restrictions apply island-wide and many businesses and airports close or operate at reduced capacity. People stay indoors and minimize noise, often engaging in meditation, reflection, and quiet activities. The observance is primarily a Balinese Hindu practice, but visitors are expected to respect the customs and may participate within the confines of hotel or resort policies.

Nyepi ends at dawn the following day, when normal activities resume. The holiday is a distinctive aspect of Bali’s culture, combining ritual, reflection, and community discipline in a rare instance of a large-scale quiet.