Nyepi – Balinese New Year


Festivities of the Balinese New Year are unlike any other and the most important and most sacred Hindu holiday in Bali.


Learn more about the spiritual, mystical, and transcendental components of the Balinese New Year. If you happen to be on Bali during Nyepi, you may see for yourself why this celebration is so special and unique.

Nyepi - The Essentials about the Total Shut Down of Bali

WED 18 Mar — Evening into the Night

Ogoh-Ogoh Parades

THU 19 Mar 6:00am until FRI 20 Mar 5:59am
Nyepi — 24h Silence

The day of complete silence on Bali, known as Nyepi, will begin on Thursday, March 19 at 5:59 a.m. and last for 24 hours.

Everyone on the island must remain indoors (EVERYONE), turn off the lights, and observe silence. All external activities come to a halt—businesses close, schools shut down, roads are empty (except for emergency vehicles), and the airport ceases operations for 24 hours.

  • You are not allowed to leave the property and go to the streets or roads but must remain indoors
  • The hotel will inform you about what you can and cannot do and inform you about any restrictions
  • If you rent a villa, you should ensure you have enough food and drinks for this 24h

If you’re visiting Bali during this time, make sure to plan accordingly

From 6 am of Nyepi Day until 6 am the following day:

  • Amati Geni: No fire or light, including electricity
  • Amati Karya: No working or business of any kind
  • Amati Lelunganan: No traveling
  • Amati Lelanguan: No noisy festivities or self entertainment

How this plays out on the island – for everyone, including visitors from abroad:

  • Local guards called Pecalang are stationed in strategic locations around the island to enforce law and order and maintain peace and quiet.
  • Hospitals remain open for emergencies.
  • Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (DPS) and all other airports, bus terminals, and harbours on the island are closed, so there are no incoming or outgoing flights, boats, or buses.
  • All businesses and restaurants are closed to visitors and locals alike.
    Nobody is allowed to be on the streets. You cannot go to beaches or for a walk; you must stay inside. It is strictly prohibited to do anything outside of the house.
  • You cannot play music or make any noise if it can be noticed from outside.
    When the sun goes down, curtains should be closed and as little light as possible should be used.
  • Hotels provide basic services to their guests, but access to pools and other facilities may be restricted.

Therefore, if you are in Bali during Nyepi, there is no need to plan any outside activities. You are required to stay in your hotel or villa.

Where to Watch the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade

Ogoh-ogoh parades take place across Bali. In most villages, the procession usually starts along the main street or in front of the local banjar (community hall).

  • Kuta — Pasar Kuta
  • Legian — Legian Street, near the Mercure Hotel
  • Kerobokan — Lio Square junction
  • Seminyak — Camplung Tanduk junction
  • Denpasar — Puputan Square
  • Sanur — near McDonald’s Sanur
Balinese New Year

Sacred

The Magic of Nyepi and the Day of Silence

Everything comes to a complete and total halt.

The highlight of Bali’s New Year is really quite the opposite of the pyrotechnics and loud celebrations that are the norm everywhere else in the
world. The island becomes absolutely silent in the midst of their festivities celebrating the New Year in Bali to wash away the wrong doings of the past year, entering the new year with a “clean slate” — individually and collectively.

Nyepi, which means “to stay silent,” occurs on the day after the dark moon of the spring equinox. Visitors fortunate enough to be on Bali during Nyepi will have the opportunity to experience this unique, magical, and fascinating celebration and join the Balinese in reflecting on the past year in silence and starting with new and positive intentions.

On Nyepi eve, the Balinese will gather for the world-famous Ogoh-Ogoh Parades, held all over Bali. A fascinating spectacle where youngsters carry huge demon statues through the streets. Don’t miss it while in Bali!

Learn about Ogoh-Ogoh Parades

Nyepi and the Balinese Calendar

Nyepi Day, like almost all other Balinese religious festivals and holy days, is always determined according to the Balinese calendar (Caka or Saka). According to the Balinese calendar, there are 12 months (sasih) in a year. Each month typically includes one new moon (dark moon or Tilem) and one full moon, forming a 35-day cycle.

Although the Hindu community of Bali celebrates Isakawarsa (the Balinese New Year) for a full six days in accordance with the Balinese calendar, the most important festivities take place over three key days.
First, on the second day after sundown, Ogoh-Ogoh parades are held. Second, the third day is Nyepi, the Day of Silence. Finally, Ngembak Geni marks the moment when communities come together to celebrate the beginning of the new year.