Bali ‘quiet’ as Hindus mark day of silence
The annually observed and uniquely Balinese Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi, is generally met with a positive response from foreign visitors spending time on the island during the occasion.
Ketut Ardana, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali, shared with The Jakarta Post the weekend that foreign and domestic tourists generally did not specifically visit Bali for Nyepi, which this year falls on March 31.
Traditional guards patrol the streets to make sure people stay at home on Nyepi. (courtesy photo: BBC News / Getty Images)
“But they are happy when they [see] the Balinese observe Nyepi with its astonishing pre- and post-rituals,” Ardana said.
Nyepi marks the start of the new lunar year in the Balinese Caka calendar. On the Day of Silence, Balinese Hindus have to perform four abstinences known as catur brata penyepian, comprising amati geni (abstaining from the lighting of fire or lights); amati karya (abstaining from work); amati lelungan (abstaining from traveling outside one’s home); and amati lelanguan (abstaining from enjoyable activities).
All of these abstinences are aimed at the Balinese entering a state of self-contemplation, meditation and evaluation of their deeds during the previous year and praying for the best in the coming year.
All access to Bali, via the airport and its harbors, is closed for 24 hours.
No lights can be lit, all radio and television stations stop broadcasting in Bali, no-one is allowed outside their home or hotel except in an emergency. Only hospitals and emergency services will be in operation.
“Tourists have appreciated and been amazed at the unique rituals on the eve of Nyepi and enjoyed the darkness and quietness on the island for 24 hours,” he said
Local parades the night before Nyepi of ogoh-ogoh, giant effigies, have become interesting tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, Ida Bagus Wisnu Diwangkara, a Sanur businessman, said many hotel and villa owners were offering special Nyepi packages for tourists.
“March is usually low season for the hospitality business. Nyepi has boosted business for us as many visitors are willing to enjoy our special Nyepi packages,” said Diwangkara.
Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra, chairman of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Denpasar, said visitors would have to stay within the hotel complexes.
“But they just enjoy the quiet in Bali once a year,” Putra said.
Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, head of Bali Tourism Agency, said that the provincial administration had called on hotels, travel agencies and relevant tourist businesses to inform their clients of conditions in Bali during Nyepi, including the temporary closure of the airport and harbors.
source: Wasti Atmodjo / Jakarta Post Denpasar