Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of
Silence" that commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to
Bali's calendar (in 2011, it will be on March 5th). It is a day of silence,
fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year Gudi Padva in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India.
Observed
from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything
that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions
are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no
entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at
all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets
and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few
signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen
outdoors are the Pecalang,
traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are
being followed.
Although
Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the
day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists
are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is
allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed
for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions
and women about to give birth.
On
the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again
quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another,
and to perform certain religious rituals together.
Rituals
§ First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is dedicated to Sanghyang
Widhi Wasa and is performed at the beach to respect them as the owner of The
Land and Sea. The ritual performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify
Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belongs to several temples, also
to acquire sacred water from the sea.
§ Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create
balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual also meant to appease Batara
Kala byPecaruan offering. Devout Hindu
Balinese villages usually make ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper
symbolizing negative elements or malevolent spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh have
been paraded around the village, the Ngrupuk ritual takes place, which involves
burning the ogoh-ogoh.
§ Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
§ Amati Geni: No fire/light, including no
electricity
§ Amati Karya: No working
§ Amati Lelunganan: No travelling
§ Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no
revelry/self-entertainment
§ Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM (e.g. March 26, 2009) and continues to 6:00 AM
the next day.
§ Fifth, The Ngebak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindus to forgive each other
and to welcome the new days to come.
§ Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed as the Nyepi Day or "Day of Silence."
0 comments:
Post a Comment