Nyepi, The Day of Silence – Bali Marks New Year with Silent Festival

Indonesia’s holiday island celebrated the start of the Hindu New Year of Saka with the traditional Nyepi observance as in decades past. Marked on the 28th of March the event which is also known as the Day of Silence saw the hustle and bustle of Bali luxury villas across the island from Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort to other lesser known hotels come to a halt for the special occasion. In a rare occurrence that takes place but once a year the Nyepi was observed from 6am on the day of the New Year till the same hour on the following day.

Not only did the harbour and television and radio networks halt all activities for the 24 hours within this span of time but residents and tourists alike refrained from engaging in normal activities and remained indoors or at home whenever possible. All flights to and from the island also came to a stop on the day as electricity was also not used during the 24 hours.