Just a reminder to anyone that’s Bali bound later this month: Nyepi will be celebrated this year on 26 March 2009. Nyepi is sometimes called the Hindu New Year, and is "celebrated" by a day of silence. The night before, houses and the entire village are cleaned, and food is cooked for two days. All this is done with as much noise as possible, to scare away the evil spirits.

The following day is the day of silence. Generally, people do not leave their homes, cook, or engage in any activities (I’m even told there should be no love-making on this day). Tourists are generally asked not to leave their hotel properties. The streets will be deserted, and no taxis, bemos or other transportation are allowed. In fact, even the airport is closed for the day. No landings or departures are scheduled for the day. Everything returns to normal on the following day.

The time around Nyepi is usually accompanied by the construction of large papier-mâché statues called oogah-oogahs, which are then ritually burned. However, friends on Bali have told me there will be no oogah-oogahs this year, because of the impending elections (I guess they’re afraid a few politicians might get roasted with the statues.)

Posted by michael under Events
Tags: Bali • Holidays
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