Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations

Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations

What is Nyepi or Day of Silence?

Traditional New Year on Bali is celebrated in March according to the Balinese Saka Calendar. The Hindu festival of Nyepi, also known as the “Day of Silence”, marks the start of the Saka year. Balinese Hindu believe that on this day Evil spirits are going out, so the goal of the silence is “to trick” those spirits, pretending there is no life on the island. Nyepi festival begins a few days before the Day of Silence and finishes a few days after. During this period different religious rituals are performed. Continue reading “Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations”