Balinese Day of Silence (Nyepi)

Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, a important spiritual observance marking the New Year according to the Balinese sahs. It typically occurs in March and is a day of self-reflection, meditation, and purification. On this day, the island comes to a complete halt: no work, travel, or entertainment, and residents stay home in quiet contemplation. The purpose is to cleanse negative energies and welcome the new year with a refreshed spirit. Preceding Nyepi, elaborate rituals and processions, including the creation of ogoh-ogoh (devil effigies), are performed to ward off evil spirits.