Bali, a famous tourist destination, will stop for 24 hours the noise and agitation during the Nyepi holiday, which takes place on March 29.
Pura Besakih temple in Bali, Indonesia Photo Shutterstock
This special day, dedicated to introspection and meditation for Balinese Hindu, brings a moment of deep peace for the whole island, and tourists are no exception, according to CNN.
Starting at 6 in the morning, the locals retreat to their homes, extinguish the lights and hold. The streets become desolate, and the only sounds that are heard are those of security patrols. The airport closes, and the hotels do not allow check-in or check-out, meaning that the island’s visitors must also respect this day of silence.
Amanda Syrowatka, owner of Viceroy Bali, explains: “Although there is a day of silence, the days before the Balinez New Year are very popular for visitorsdue to special rituals that cannot be experienced elsewhere. ”
Professor Wayan Ari, an expert in Balinese culture, explains the deep significance of this holiday: “Nyepi is a day of self -reflection to reflect on the values of our humanity, love, patience and kindness that should be in us for the rest of our lives”.
On the eve of this day, Ngrruuk takes place, a parade of Ogoh-Ogoh, monstrous paper effigies, which are then symbolically burned. Wayan states that on this day, “It is traditional to go from house to house wearing a torch, making a lot of noise, spitting the local spices in every corner of the buildings in the yard of the house”.
Tourists who reach the island have a unique experience. Jero Mangku Tindih, manager at Viceroy Bali, mentions: “We respect our culture, but also our guests. They are not of the same religion as us, so that means that our hotel will work normally“Starting this year, the authorities in Bali have requested the interpretation of the Internet services on the day of Nyepi, thus increasing the level of digital disconnection.
Margot Bigg, an American writer who has experienced this experience, shares his impressions: “Although I would not plan a holiday around Nyepi, I would certainly not mind being in Bali for her again. It is a beautiful tradition from which we could all benefit for our spiritual and mental health ”.
