Nyepi, literally means “Silence” is a festival in Bali that celebrates the coming of traditional New Year based on Saka calendar. This ritual is a day of introspection in order to achieve spiritual purification in order to make a harmonious relation between human beings and God, human and human, and humans and their environment. The time should be spent in silent meditation or performing prayers at the house shrine or Merajan. No one is allowed to work, travel, light a fire, use electricity, nor engage in entertainment of any kind, Ngurah Rai Airport will be closed from 6 a.m. on that day until 6 a.m. and streets are deserted with only a few Pecalang or traditional village guardsmen ensuring that Nyepi is properly respected. Only emergency services and hospitals are allowed to operate as usual. Nyepi is a Hindu holiday, however is observed by every residence in the island including non-Hindu and foreigners. Tourists and visitors who happen to be in Bali on Nyepi day must remain inside their hotel or villas, where activities can take place as normal, but keep off the beaches and amusement areas, as well as roads.
