The evil spirits have passed Bali and the new year can start. Nyepi, or the “Day of Silence”, is a Balinese Hindu holiday marking the Saka New Year, observed with a 24-hour period of silence, fasting, and meditation. With the goal of maintaining balance and harmony between the spirit realm, the human world, and nature. Nyepi is believed to cleanse the island of demons and evil spirits, allowing for a fresh start in the new year. The name "Nyepi" comes from the Indonesian word "sepi," meaning quiet or still, reflecting the core principle of the holiday: a day of complete silence.
Before Nyepi starts, Balinese Hindus perform Melasti. This ceremony is a purification ritual to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of the Balinese people before the start of the new year. The Melasti ceremony usually takes place near the coast or river, as the water is believed to have the power to purify and cleanse. The ceremony involves the procession of people dressed in traditional Balinese attire, carrying various offerings and sacred objects. The offerings include fruit, flowers, rice, and other symbolic objects.
Ogoh-ogoh Parade, the night before Nyepi, where large statues representing negative forces are paraded through the streets. Ogoh-ogoh represent Bhuta Kala, Balinese mythological beings symbolizing darkness and evil. The creation of ogoh-ogoh is also a form of creative expressions and community engagement, with local youth often involved in their construction. After the parade, the ogoh-ogoh are burned, symbolizing the destruction of evil spirits and cleansing the environment.
Nyepi, from 6 AM to 6 AM (24 hours), the island observes complete silence. The four main restrictions (Catur Brata Penyepian) include:
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No fire or lights (Amati Geni)
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No working (Amati Karya)
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No traveling (Amati Lelungan)
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No entertainment or pleasure (Amati Lelanguan)
The island will be silent for 24 hours, and everyone must be respectful and stay at home with no lights, music or sound. The airport remains closed for 24 hours with emergency services only operating. We use this day as a time to reflect and welcome the new year.
Ngembak Geni (Reconnecting), the day after Nyepi. It marks the end of the 24-hour silence and fasting period. It is the time for reconnecting, forgiveness, and new beginnings. People visit their relatives and neighbours to ask for forgiveness and strengthen relationships. This is similar to the Hindu concept of Dharma Shanti, where peace and harmony are restored after the cleansing of Nyepi. Families and friends come together to share meals, pray, and celebrate the fresh start of the new year. Traditionally, Ngembak Geni is also a time for young people to gather, make new friends, and even find potential romantic partners. Shops and businesses reopen, and normal daily life resumes, but with a sense of spiritual renewal and a fresh perspective.
The streets are empty and the lights are turned off. Perfect to see the sky and stars in its true form without pollution.
How did the Indosole team spend Nyepi?
“I'm gonna cleanse, take it easy, read, and research new ideas about life and hide from the evil spirits.”
- KAI
“I will learn some Spanish cooking recipes from my wife and play games with my daughter. A nice day for digital detox!”
- KYLE
“I'm going to spend Nyepi in nature in Menjangan, reflecting and setting my intentions for the new year. It's so rare to get a day where we are asked to slow down and disconnect.”
- ANICCA
“Through catur brata penyepian; 24 hours no light, no eat, no going outside, and no works, doing self-introspection or self-reflection.”
- KOMANG
“In nyepi day i same like pak komang, but tomorrow penggerupukan day, i have show for ogoh ogoh with fire dance and megambel (instrumental music tradisional) to around my home town”
- EGA
“Spending Nyepi with my friends this year—no distractions, just quiet moments, deep talks, and a chance to reconnect. It’s nice to step back from everything, reflect on life, and see how far we’ve all come. A rare kind of pause that I personally think we all needed.”
- LLOYD
