Tag Archives: Nyepi Festival

Nyepi Festival, a fervent celebration

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The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents.
Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow cloth which symbolizes God’s Bridge.
On the day prior to Nyepi a number of customs are observed. Villages are cleaned in their entirety, enough food is prepared for two whole days and in the festive evening hours a great deal of noise is intentionally made so as to frighten away demons. Pans and pots are banged, frightening sounds are made and rice is sprinkled on the roads and alleyways. Interestingly effigies of demons and monsters made from papier-mache, cloth and bamboo are carried in procession through the village streets. These demonic figures represent evil and the procession symbolizes the defeat of the forces of evil.
However on the actual day of Nyepi the observances are entirely different. Unlike in other parts of the world where the new year is heralded with revelry and fireworks, in Bali local residents observe a 24 hour abstinence from all physical and worldly activities. Hindus are required to forego the lighting of fires and lights, working, leisure activities and travelling.
After the conclusion of this day of forbearance, the day of Ngembak Geni begins. On this day Balinese go out of their homes to greet friends and relatives, asking for forgiveness for mistakes made in the past. Visitors to Bali will be able to observe these fascinating observances.
Travellers who seek a fine 5 Star Hotel Seminyak will be pleased by the Anantara Seminyak Bali. This fine Hotels in Seminyak offers comfortable accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Nyepi Festival, a fervent celebration

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The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents.

Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow cloth which symbolizes God’s Bridge.

On the day prior to Nyepi a number of customs are observed. Villages are cleaned in their entirety, enough food is prepared for two whole days and in the festive evening hours a great deal of noise is intentionally made so as to frighten away demons. Pans and pots are banged, frightening sounds are made and rice is sprinkled on the roads and alleyways. Interestingly effigies of demons and monsters made from papier-mache, cloth and bamboo are carried in procession through the village streets. These demonic figures represent evil and the procession symbolizes the defeat of the forces of evil.

However on the actual day of Nyepi the observances are entirely different. Unlike in other parts of the world where the new year is heralded with revelry and fireworks, in Bali local residents observe a 24 hour abstinence from all physical and worldly activities. Hindus are required to forego the lighting of fires and lights, working, leisure activities and travelling.

After the conclusion of this day of forbearance, the day of Ngembak Geni begins. On this day Balinese go out of their homes to greet friends and relatives, asking for forgiveness for mistakes made in the past. Visitors to Bali will be able to observe these fascinating observances.

Travellers who seek a fine Bali resort will be pleased by the Anantara Seminyak Bali. This fine resort in Bali offers comfortable accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Nyepi Festival – A Festival of ‘Silence’

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Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the Indonesian province of Bali. Known for being home to a wealth of traditional as well as modern art, dance and music, Bali is an island rife with colour and culture. It is also a major tourist destination owing to its booming hospitality industry, scenic beauty, and cultural and recreational attractions.images (13)

The major religion in Bali is Hinduism, and thus is a major platform for various Hindu festivals and customs. One of the most unique festivals celebrated in Bali is the Nypei Festival. Nyepi, literally translates to ‘silence’, and is connected to the celebration of the New Year according to the Saka calendar. Although typically a Hindu holiday, this unique event is celebrated by almost every person on the island regardless of their religion.

Usually celebrated in the month of March, the Nyepi Festival is unique in terms of the customs and traditions attached to. The day prior to the Nyepi Festival is full of noise and activity, consisting of colourful parades and purification rituals performed to cast away evil spirits at the dawn of the New Year. However it is not named after ‘silence’ for no reason, as traditions demand that the entire province be silent during the festival! Therefore there is no traffic or activity during this time, and people try to stay indoors as much as possible.

Cooking and even setting any sort of fire is prohibited during this festival. So, all entertainment, shopping and general activities are virtually halted on this day. Thus the Nyepi Festival is not exactly a tourist attraction, although many tourists are intrigued by this distinctive event. It is a rather unique and rare thing to witness an entire province brought to a halt, with only quietness and peacefulness being present due to a festival. The 2013 Nyepi Festival falls of the 13th of March, so if you are interested in witnessing this unique event, head on over to Bali during this time.

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