Nyepi Day 2007 to Fall on March 19, 2007
Nyepi - the Balinese equivalent of the word for silence is
the name given to the day each year when it is he religious
obligation of every Balinese Hindu to dedicate an entire day
to quiet introspection and spiritual cleansing as he or she
embarks on a New Year in the Balinese lunar calendar.
Starting from approximately 6 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007
and continuing until 6 a.m. the following morning, Nyepi will
be observed by the devout through the abstinence from food
and drink, human speech, movement outside the family compound,
and even the lighting of fires or lamps. As a result, Bali
will resemble a ghost town throughout this period with all
businesses and thoroughfares closed. Traditional village security
forces - pecalang will patrol the island permitting the passage
of only emergency vehicles and sternly rebuking neighbors
who allow noise or light to be transmitted from their living
quarters.
Nyepi marks the first day of the Balinese Saka calendar (1929)
and is strictly observed island-wide as a day of absolute
silence and meditation, including the shut down for a 24 hour
period of the island's airport.
Hotels and Airport Affected Guests visiting Bali during this
unique holiday will be able to view first hand the Mardi Gras-like
celebrations marked with street parades and drinks the night
before Nyepi. Before sunrise on March 19, 2007, however, all
will be required to take refuge in their hotels or homes,
there to remain until the following morning. Major hotels
generally permit their guests full use of their various outlets
with the understanding that guests will not venture outside
the property, and special arrangements are made for the hotel's
staff to stay overnight.