NYEPI NOT AS USUAL THIS YEAR

On March 25th, took place in Bali the famous Nyepi, the sacred and peaceful day of silence that welcomes the Saka New Year in the Balinese calendar. 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.
This year, Nyepi takes on a new dimension with the coronavirus pandemic. It’s like the whole world is celebrating Nyepi as well, by staying at home and spending time on self-reflection. In Bali a lot of celebrations and gatherings have been disrupted such as Melasti (purifying ceremony) and Pengerupukan, a day before, which is finished by doing Pecaruan (a ritual to neutralize negative spirits) and Ogoh-Ogoh parade. All those rituals usually involve mass participants, but this year all the rituals were restricted (the number of participants cannot be more than 10, only the priest and some village committee members who must keep the physical distancing), and the other prayed at home. Due to Covid 19 the Bali governor instructed to extend one of the restriction on the day after, people were not allowed to travel and must stay at home. Our traditional vows of good health take on particular relief on this occasion. May the pandemic so violent in the world, ends soon. Happy and Healthy Nyepi!