Nyepi celebration at Dajuma

On March 31st, 2014, Dajuma celebrated Nyepi, the famous “Day of Silence” that is commemorated every Isaka Warsa (new year) in the Balinese calendar.
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 like lighting fires (lights must be kept low), working, entertainment or pleasure, traveling; and, for some, talking or eating is restricted. 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. Even the airport is closed on that day.
Pictured below, the day before Nyepi, Dajuma staff celebrated the Melasti Ritual on the beach in front of the hotel. Dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. this ritual is performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea.