Nyepi Day 2009 to Fall on March 26, 2009
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 Thursday, March 26, 2009 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.