On 29 March, the Indonesian island of Bali will hold a ‘day of silence’ during the Hindu holiday of Nyepi.
The international airport will be closed, public transport will shut down and everyone on the island is encouraged to take part in the ritual irrespective of faith, including tourists.
Local security groups conduct patrols during Nyepi to monitor compliance.
Nyepi Day restrictions will begin at 6 am and last for 24 hours, during which people won’t be able to open stores and food and drink can’t be bought or sold in public.
However, emergency services will continue to operate.
Tourists will be required to stay at their accommodation and most hotels are expected to wind back services, with some internet providers also stopping services.
Lights must be kept to a minimum and not be visible from the street.
The day marks the start of a new year and is a time for reflection, meditation, and self-purification.
Giant effigies depicting aspects of the evil, referred to as ‘ogoh-ogoh’, are paraded through the streets of Bali ahead of Nyepi. Source: AAP / Made Nagi/EPA
Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians, with more than 1.3 million Australians visiting the island in 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The day before Nyepi, the island held its annual ritual to ward off demons and evil spirits.
In the parade, colourful effigies known as ogoh-ogoh are paraded through the streets before being burned, representing renewal and purification.
Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country but more than 80 per cent of Bali’s population identify as Hindu and practice a local version of the religion.
