TIMES MALANG, BALI – Nyepi or Silent Day is Balinese tradition to celebrate and honor the New Year of Saka or Balinese calendar. This is a Hindu celebration which only held in Bali, Indonesia. This moment has become one annual tourism calendar that has been awaited not only by the Balinese but also the tourists.

Nyepi literally means silence. As its name, the day will be filled with silence in every corner of this Goddess Island. There will no longer be some hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone stay quiet at their home and do nothing except staying still.

This was because there is a non constitutional law that was followed by the local community. The rule was so called as Catur Brata or the 4 isolation way. This rule will be applied for 24 hours from 6 in the morning to the next 24 hours.  So, what are those way that everyone in Bali should have followed during Nyepi? Let's check them out.

Amati Karya or No Work

This includes not doing your house chores or going to your office for work. Or for those who work from home, you will need to stop your activity for that day. Since during this day, all internet access will be turned off by the local government.

Amati Lelungan or No More Traveling

On the day of Nyepi, those who stay in Bali will be unable to go out of their house to do their activity. No more people on the road, no more tourism activities, nothing. Just an empty street with several pecalang or Balinese customary security guard to secure the area.

In fact, the main airport of Bali will be shut down for a day during Nyepi just to honor the sacred moment. So, you will need to wait for the next day to book a flight or travel to another area. It's just like a full lockdown for Balinese.

Amati Geni or Don’t Lit a Fire

This means to not switch on a light. As we all know, people back then were using some fire to light their house. It means that the community will stay in the dark for the whole day.

It's also applied for the tourist who stayed in the hotel. Normally, the hotel will provide them with some flashlight. The government will cut down the electricity in every area to honor the Day of Silence.

Amati Lelanguan or No More Fun

During Nyepi you will need to whisper to talk, at least your neighbor will never knew you were exist on that day. You weren't allowed to laugh aloud, to turn on the radio or tv, or even a party. The local muslims will also turn off the speaker to call the prayer to honor this day.

You won't be allowed to take some picture or have another fun. For those who broke the rule and happened to be caught by pecalang, they will be detained at the local office during that day and will be asked to do some social service like cleaning the local temples after Nyepi or Silent Day ended. (*)