NYEPI - SILENCE DAY IS HINDU NEW YEAR IN BALI ISLAND

A DAY OF SILENCE - NYEPI 2009

Nyepi is the Hindu New Year in the Bali Island of Indonesia. The New Year is observed as ‘a day of silence’ as Nyepi symbolically represents the state of the universe before creation. Bali Hindu New Year is based on lunar calendar. In 2009, the date of Nyepi is March 26.
Nyepi is marked by numerous rituals and pujas and is spread over four days. The important rituals begin two days before Nyepi. The rituals and celebrations end the day after Nyepi.
The most important ritual associated with Nyepi is the bathing of village deities in the sea. This is followed by a purification ritual of burning the evil. Then it is Nyepi, a day of silence and the last day is dedicated to prayers and meeting of relatives and friends.
The Bali Hindu Calendar is based on the Saka calendar – the one followed by the Indian government and by some Hindu communities in India. (http://www.hinduworld.com/)