Hotels in Bali ready their packages to welcome the annual observation of the Hindu Day of Silence.

Usually bustling Bali grinds to a peaceful halt during the annual observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, known as '€œNyepi'€ in Balinese. Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Hindu holiday on the resort island requires that everyone curbs their daily activities, refrains from using electricity and remains in their homes.

Instead of complaining about restrictions on the day, which is the first day of the Saka New Year, most local and foreign tourists embrace its uniqueness. Indeed, Nyepi is an occasion worth experiencing, especially since the preceding and following days of the observation are filled with one-of-a-kind highlights and activities.

The rituals start around three days before Nyepi with the colorful Melasti procession, a pilgrimage to sea to purify each temple'€™s religious paraphernalia. It is a ritual event that incorporates a beach component, with pilgrims from various villages all over the island bearing temple heirlooms on long walks toward the coast.

Tourists will be captivated by the cultural spectacle of Melasti'€™s colorful procession of umbrellas and effigies, both large and small. This ceremony is most commonly seen in the run up to Nyepi.

The peak of the Nyepi rituals is when people retreat from all daily activities into the silence of their homes. During the Day of Silence, there is no noise on the island: no sound of motor vehicles or people chattering, no flights in the sky and no sound of television or radio.

The Saka New Year'€™s Eve is marked by an exciting celebration with blaring noise and merriment. All the younger Balinese, grouped in their village youth groups, participate in a ritual called pengrupukan where they jointly chase away the malevolent forces locally known as bhuta kala from their villages. They exorcise the dark forces by hitting pots and pans, playing loud traditional percussion instruments and carrying fiery bamboo torches. The spirits are later manifested as huge grotesque ogoh-ogoh paraded through the streets. As the street parades ensue, bamboo cannons and occasional firecrackers fill the air with flames and smoke. The Nyepi evening parade usually starts around 6 p.m. local time.

For tourists who are interested in spending some peaceful days in Bali during this unique religious occasion, a number of hotels are offering special packages.

W Retreat and Spa Bali, for example, offers an attractive package for those in search of holiday comfort with all the generous amenities and facilities available within the premises. While observing the Day of Silence, visitors can spoil their palates at any of the hotel'€™s seven F&B outlets featuring a tempting range of delectable menus. Other facilities on offer include access to the hotel'€™s gym and spa.

Going to Seminyak, Courtyard by Marriott Nusa Dua is set to pamper its guests with its special Nyepi deal. Included in the package is access to the hotel'€™s facilities, such as spa and children'€™s club. And don'€™t miss the specially designed activities, like yoga, the hotel is offering during the peaceful observance of Nyepi.

For those seeking a more cultural activity, Conrad Bali will include a two-day batik making workshop on Nyepi day in its stay package. Families with children will also find the holiday enjoyable, as kids can have free access to the Kura-kura kids club, which offers activities specially designed for the hotel'€™s younger guests. (JP)

Popular

Great Barrier Reef hit by record bleaching

Govt to undo latest curbs on personal imports

Middle East on edge as Israel and Iran trade threats