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When the Balinese Celebrate “Nyepi”
 On
Friday 11 March 2005, Hindu devotees in
Bali celebrate the Çaka New Year
that is commonly known as Nyepi or Silence
Day. The Çaka year calendar system
was begun in 78 AD; therefore, the year
2005 becomes Çaka New Year 1927.
So, what are they doing in welcoming the
New Year?
According to its name, Nyepi or Silence,
is a ‘tranquil’ ambience. On that
day, the Island of Bali is lifeless. No
activities. Every street is silent. On the
day, Hindu’s performs Catur Brata Penyepian
or four abstinences, Amati Geni (non-fury),
Amati Lelanguan (no extravagant parties,
devotees usually perform fasting), Amati
Lelungan (going nowhere), Amati Karya (abstain
from doing regular or negative activity
like gambling etc.). One day after Nyepi
is Ngembak Geni. Devotees resume to perform
worldly activities and it is taken advantage
of to carry out an informal and friendly
day in which they visit each other, their
family and relatives.
(BTN/Agus Sutrarama)
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