A scene from a Hollywood movie
Imagine a bustling Asian island numbering almost 5 million people fall totally silent for a day. All shops are closed, beach is deserted, there are no cars, motorbikes or people on the road and no light or candle is lit in any home. For 24 hours everyone is self reflecting – in silence and meditation. Even the airport does not work. If you happen to pass over this island in an airplane you would not even know its there.
It sounds like something from a Hollywood movie, but it actually happens every year on the island of Bali – this beautiful and mysterious island.
Nyepi – Balinese new year
Nyepi is a Hindu New Year festival mainly celebrated on the island of Bali and a few years back I had a privilege to be there at the time. Even though most westerners avoid Bali at Nyepi (due to restrictions which apply to them) I would consider this one of the most beautiful and mystical experiences I had on my travels. It is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys different cultures and traditions.
Most important holiday in Bali
It is the biggest and most important holiday for the Balinese and it is celebrated sometime in March every year. Unlike the celebration of new year in the west, in Bali this holiday is celebrated through silence, fasting and meditation. At least that is how they welcome the first day of the new year. Before that however it is quite lively and exciting.
6 days of rituals
The celebrations actually consist of various colorful rituals that start 6 days prior to the day of silence. The purpose of the rituals is to purify the island of negative energies for the next year and bring balance between all things in the Universe. This is done through various purifying rituals and sacrifices conducted all over the island including sacrificing animals such as chickens, pigs, ducks and even bulls and cows.
Special new year police
Balinese in general take their rituals and beliefs very seriously. Being that this is the most important and public holiday in Bali it has to be observed by everyone, including tourists. It might seem strange to a western mind, but even hotels have to keep the noise low and cover the windows to keep it dark. It is such a huge change from the usual crowded busy streets of this island that it feels supremely unreal. To make sure these rules are observed by everyone – local watchmen – Pecalang are patrolling the streets.
Ogoh – Ogoh Parade
The night before the day of silence is the most interesting and colorful of all. It is the night when the Balinese bring out the giant Ogoh – Ogoh statues for the exorcism ceremony at the main village cross road. Ogoh – Ogoh are mythological beings, mostly demons made in every village on the island out of paper and bamboo. Each Ogoh- Ogoh statue tells a different story but they all symbolize negative elements or spirits. They are elaborately prepared by every village on the island and the process can last up to two months. The statues are carried down the streets followed by their traditional (and very loud) Gamelan music and are burned ceremoniously on the last day. Rituals are taking place all over the island, but the central location for the largest parade is Ubud of course, Bali’s epicenter of art, culture and health.
The day of silence
On the new years day, which is the day of silence, the bad spirits are led to believe the island is deserted and so they leave. It is the day the Balinese use to contemplate, meditate and fast to clean and purify themselves as well as the island. Being there on this day is quite an experience. You cannot leave the house or see the deserted streets, but the energy and tranquility one experiences are unforgettable. If you can observe the silence and self – reflection yourself even better.
Finally it all ends the day after the day of silence when family and friends gather to ask forgiveness from each other and begin the new year together, in balance and harmony.
If picture is worth a thousand words then video is worth a million :). For those who would like a more immersive experience I captured some of the Ogoh Ogoh parade on video as well. Enjoy.
