Here in Bali, you’ll find New Year celebrations unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re not a Bali regular or local you’ve probably never heard about ‘Nyepi’.
The Balinese Hindu New Year celebrations last for 6 days, each day with its own purpose and meaning including Nyepi Day, a whole Day of Silence. On this day, our Island home comes to a complete stop for a full 24 hours. For the Balinese, this is a sacred time to purify the Island of evil spirits and for everyone else it can be a magical time to fully immerse yourself in authentic local traditions.
If this is your first time here on the Island for Nyepi or you’re planning to visit in the future, here are some things you should know about the Nyepi celebrations.
2024 Nyepi is just around the corner. This year, Nyepi falls on Monday March 11th 2024, beginning at 6am and finishing 24 hours later at 6am on March 12th.
The Pecalang (local watchmen) will be making sure no one ventures outside (emergency services aside) and all lights, music and T.V’s are off.
The date is different every year so if you’re wanting to visit the Island to experience this special celebration make sure to check the dates in advance.
Future Nyepi Day dates:
Melasti ceremonies take place on the first day of a new “Caka” year, two days before Nyepi. If you’re around the coast on this day you’ll bear witness to thousands of people from different villages parading the Hindu God Symbols to the beach in a beautiful procession. Here they will perform the biggest purification ceremony of the year.
During melasti, both people (Bhuwana Alit) and the larger world or Universe around them (Bhuwana Agung) are purified, cleansed of bad thoughts, deeds and negative influences through the ‘Tirta Amerta’ or “the water of life. Balinese believe that Bhuwana Agung and Bhuwana Alit exist within one-another.
Visually it’s the most stunning sight, people mostly dressed in white with bounties of colourful fruit and offerings for the gods, this in juxtaposition to the beach is a sight not to be missed.
The day before Nyepi hosts one of the most special nights – the ‘Ngrupuk’ or ‘Ogoh Ogoh’ parades and they are definitely one you’ll want to look out for – hint: you’ll hear them coming long before you see them!
During the sunset hour 5pm-6pm the Balinese will parade through the streets of their villages carrying the gigantic “Ogoh Ogoh ” statues. The ‘Ogoh Ogoh’ take the shapes of evil, mythological gods and creatures and represent the Bhuta Kala (eternal energy and time). The hideous creatures made from light wood, bamboo, paper and styrofoam take months to make and the Balinese enjoy the creation process (some with late night techno music and possibly some arak) but it’s also an activity the children love to do as well. We’ve heard some of the villages compete with each other for the scariest, biggest and most amazing creatures.
During the procession you’ll hear deafening gamelan and drum music, designed to scare the evil spirit. The ‘Ogoh-ogoh’ are also rotated counterclockwise three times at every T-junction and crossroad of the village. All of this leaves them so confused they should leave the Island! The ‘Ogoh Ogoh are finally burnt in a ceremony and the celebrations go late into the night in preparation for the following day of silence.
- Don’t forget during this time there might be some travel delays and road closures, even around our store – don’t get too frustrated, if you need to be somewhere try to stop, watch, enjoy and simply experience the magical atmosphere!
The day of Silence. In contrast to the ‘Ogoh Ogoh’ parades on the previous evening, the day of silence is said to trick the evil spirits into thinking the Island is deserted, in turn the spirit will leave the Island evil-free and cleansed for another year!
It’s all about prohibitions! The Balinese fully immerse themselves in what’s known as Catur Brata Penyepian, or the 4 prohibitions;
Yes, this means the whole island takes a deep breath and comes to a complete stop for those 24 hours. Shops, beaches and restaurants will be closed (including us!) and all transport comes to a halt – even the airport and airspace above the Island!
Everyone, including non-Hindu residents and visitors are also expected to follow these “rules”. Don’t worry, as a foreigner, you’re allowed to move around your home as normal, providing that sound and light are kept to an absolute minimum.
We suggest doing as the Balinese will do; rest, relax and rejuvenate.
The main purpose of ‘Nyepi Day’ is to pray for the purification of humanity, the Earth, and the universe, cleansing any negative energies to start the year with a clean slate (think Sage stick cleansing personified) .
If that’s not your thing, we suggest taking advantage of the enforced downtime to get stuck into that book you’ve been meaning to read, practise intermittent fasting, drink organic cold pressed juices, prepare simple nourishing foods (Try our new GF and Vegan Crumpets, Salads with microgreens and sauerkraut, ready made soups or organic hummus alongside Brown Rice Chips with Red Lentil), treat yourself to an at home facial (our current natural beauty faves are the stunning range from Alam Farma) or start that journal you’ve been meaning to (make it a lovely experience by selecting a beautiful journal from Palka or these stunning plantable notebooks from Askara Bumi Paper.)
If you’re looking for recipes our Recipe Hub is full of great ideas, snacks, desserts and even cocktails.
NYEPI DAY 2024 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Beat the pre Nyepi rush and do your grocery shop early!
Spend 500k in store on FRIDAY or SATURDAY 8th/9th of March + be signed up to our Alive Tribe Member Loyalty program to receive a ‘Nyepi Relaxation Starter Pack’ containing a full size Calming Bath Salts and Bali Radiance Incense pack. (total value 114k)
Spend over 800k and you’ll ALSO receive a Small Balé Natural Glass Candle (total value 184k).
Promotion is valid only for Alive Tribe Members – If you’re not a member you can sign up in store or better yet sign up online here to save time in store. It’s free to join – learn about our member benefits here.
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