APOCALYPSE 2012

Nyepi is New Year's Day in Bali, the Southeast Asian island that has over 90% Hindus! Nyepi is at once a day of celebration and of silence - a day to remember not only oneself but also the state of the universe before creation.

When is Nyepi?

Usually Nyepi fall in mid-March. Following the Hindu lunar calendar, Nyepi begins the Saka year in the month of Chaitra (March). It was Aji Saka, the princely scholar, who introduced the Saka era in Bali. In India the Saka calendar begins with purnima or full moon, but in Bali it starts with amavasya or moonless night.

Nyepi Begins with Fast and Silence

Even as Bali celebrates Nyepi, life stands still and quietude descends on this one of its kind 'Day of Silence'. The Balinese Hindus believe that before ushering in the New Year, one should meditate for self introspection, which can be achieved by observing a fast, and maintaining silence with very little movement inside the house and none at all outside-virtually closing the gates, switching off light and fire for the day. Pecalang or the local security patrol the roads and allow only emergency vehicles to pass. The airport is closed and tourists visiting Bali, too, observe this silence.