Nyepi

Signifying the beginning of a new lunar year, this festival usually falls during the spring equinox (late March, early April). On this day, all people (including tourists) must remain silent, and no-one may work, travel or partake in any indulgences. It is advised that visitors observe this local custom, and remain within their lodgings for the day.

Many tourists try to avoid visiting Bali at this time as most businesses close and you are confined to your hotel for Nyepi Day but take some time to understand the celebrations and perhaps you will leave Bali with something more than a cheap T-shirt. As a tourist, you are welcome to attend all the celebrations. On Nyepi Day itself, you will find that you are confined to your hotel from dawn until dawn the following day. Most hotels organise activities around the swimming pool to keep guests entertained and provide quiz nights etc in the evening. You are asked to keep lighting to a minimum and stay indoors after dark.

Tawur Kesanga and Caru are the sacrifice rituals held one day before Nyepi. There are different levels of sacrifice from chickens, ducks and goats to the biggest cow or bull. Many kinds of plants are also use as part of the offerings. Using those animal and plants, Balinese are encouraged to preserve the existence of other living creatures.

A large exorcism ceremony is held at the village cross roads, the meeting place of demons. Huge Ogoh-ogoh (the fantastic monsters or evil spirits) are carried through the streets and down to the water. The Ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolize the evil spirits around us which have to be destroyed. Some are giants taken from classical Balinese lore. All have fangs, bulging eyes and scary hair and are illuminated by torches.

Carnivals are held all over Bali following sunset. Bleganjur, the Balinese gamelan music accompanies the procession. This procession called Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society. In the evening, Balinese celebrating Ngerupuk, when they start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala (evil spirits) out of their lives.