Shush, keep the noise down.
Today is Nyepi Day in Bali, also known as the Day of Silence – and with good reason. This is the first day of the Saka New Year when Bali closes down. At this time the roads remain silent and no-one goes beyond their front door, no lights are lit, there are no fires, and no-one works or engages in entertainment.
The serenity of Nyepi Day
To be honest, the entire festival isn’t silent, as before Bali enjoys the serenity of Nyepi Day things get very lively indeed. Three days before the Day of Silence there are processions known as the Melasti pilgrimages. {copytag:[611]:copytag}
Pilgrims from various village temples take the long walk to the coast where purification ceremonies occur. The pilgrims carry family heirlooms to be blessed as well as parasols, banners and small effigies. On Saka New Year’s Eve, Balinese families attend the temple for a blessing before pengrupukan when each family member scares away malevolent forces by enthusiastically making as much noise as possible. Nevertheless, from 6am to 6pm on Nyepi Day all the racket must cease, and for those few blissful hours peace reigns over beautiful Bali.
