Nyepi is a Hindu Day of Silence or the Hindu New Year in the Balinese Saka calendar.
The largest celebrations are held in Bali as well as in Balinese Hindu communities around Indonesia. Preparation for Nyepi begins about one month before especially with the building of Ogooh-Ogooh, giant representation of evil spirits. The tension becomes almost palpable as many ceremonies are held on the beach.
The most important and beautiful ceremony prior to Nyepi is called Melasti. Nyepi is one of the most spectacular festivities of the year and if you plan your vacation in that period of time, you should definitely plan it so you don’t miss it! Villagers, carrying long-poled umbrellas, proceed in lines towards a source of water - a holy spring or the sea. Women carry offerings of fruit, cakes and flowers and men carry the sacred family statues on bamboo litters.
At the sea, the pedanda prays and rings his small bells whilst the men carrying the litters rush the sacred figures into the water symbolically washing them and thus purifying the statues. Its purpose is to purify Buhana Alit (Earth) and Bhuana Agung (the universe) from all bad influences, deeds and thoughts. It reminds everyone of the value of life and help prepare one’s soul for Nyepi.
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