Bali Closed on Nyepi Day, Friday 23 March 2012
March 22, 2012On Nyepi day – the day for meditation and absolute silence in Bali, – which this year falls on Friday, 23 March, the entire island of Bali will be closed for 24 hours to all traffic, including air traffic.
In keeping with the strict traditions of the holy day, Bali grinds to an absolute halt from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23 until Saturday, March 24, 2012.
Those wishing to visit Bali on or around that day, please take special notice.
On the eve of Nyepi, celebrations are held when floats of huge colourful paper demons are paraded through the streets of cities, carried to the beach and torched, making a bright bonfire. Each one then quietly retreats to their respective homes to spend the entire day in silent reflection, free from any noise. Homes may also not have any open fires, nor any lights lit at night.
On this day, no one is allowed on the streets and on the beach, including tourists. Flights to and from Bali will be suspended.
While this may sound eerie, in fact, those that have gone through this absolute quietness of a whole island find it a most exhilarating experience.
Nyepi mandates a day of absolute quietude, based on the four precepts of Catur Brata:
Amati Geni: Prohibiting the lighting of fires, the use of lighting or the satisfaction of pleasurable human appetites.
Amati Karya: Prohibiting all forms of physical work other than those dedicated to spiritual cleansing and renewal.
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