Bali is always the centre of hustle and bustle of the
tourism. Its well-known unique nature and culture successfully seizes the
tourists’ attention around the world. However, imagine that the buzz of this
crowded city will eventually stop for one day. It is twenty-four-hours total
silence. It is like an empty town which what the zombie movies always depict.
There will be no people walking on the street, no people working, no people is
allowed to have fun, even every gates to enter Bali are closed, including
airport and harbor. Besides, absolutely, there will be zero pollution and letting the earth breath in peace for one day. In the night, you could only listen to the whoosh of a
gentle breeze and look up to the sky watching the beautiful stars and enjoying
this universe in tranquility. This day is what we call as Nyepi.
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| This is what it looks like on Nyepi Day. The picture was taken at The Ground Zero, Kuta, Bali Source: theatlantic.com |
Nyepi literally means silence. Nyepi is actually one of the traditional
ceremonies held by Balinese to celebrate çaka1 new year. Unlike the
other celebrations of New Year throughout the world which are full of euphoria,
firework and joy, Bali commemorates New Year in a different way. It is by doing
a contemplation and refraining from indulgence and any daily activities. This
ceremony actually has been celebrated from the Majapahit Era.
Basically, there
are four things that are strongly prohibited during Nyepi: not allowed to
ignite the light or fire (Amati Geni),
not allowed to engage in any form of entertainment (Amati lelanguan), not allowed to work (Amati karya), and not allowed to go outside from house (Amati lelungaan). The idea is to
re-purify the body and soul from what we have done in previous year in order to
improve for the better New Year ahead. Briefly, it is a kind of self-reflection
to be prepared in welcoming the New Year.
Moreover, prior to Nyepi, there is a series of traditional
ceremonies. The Hindus believe that this life is made by the macrocosm which is
the universe and microcosm which is our body. Before welcoming the New Year, it
is necessary to cleanse both the nature and the humans. This is then
represented by holding Melasti ceremony. The Hindus will flock to pray and give
offerings to the source of water.
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| Melasti Ceremony in Tanah Lot, Bali Source: trekearth.com |
