Balinese Hindus Beckon The Saka New Year Silently

By Azeman Ariffin Bernama's correspondent in Jakarta shares his take on the island city of Singapore. This time around Azeman Ariffin writes on the "celebration of silence" in Bali, Indonesia. JAKARTA, 9 March (Bernama) -- Bali, the tourist island of Indonesia, will be silent for the whole day Wednesday as its Hindu residents observe Nyepi, or the "Day of Silence" to welcome their new year in their Saka calendar. Under the Saka calendar that dates back to 78 A.D, the Balinese are ushering the year 1938 Wednesday. I was unaware of this unique celebration until the local media began publishing stories on the run up to Nyepi. Nyepi is declared a national holiday in Indonesia and the silence outdoors in Bali is strictly enforced by religious groups. Even tourists and non-Hindus are not spared. Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed for the day and Bali's famous beaches and streets will be deserted. CELEBRATING QUIETLY Wednesday, not only the almost 4 million Balinese Hindus will stay hushed but also stay indoors without lights. They are also not allowed to light fires, work, smoke or indulge in entertainment. The Balinese observed Nyepi from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) and the whole idea of observing silence is to reflect on oneself and cleanse their heart on the first day of the new year. As they cannot light fires, it means they cannot light stoves. Thus the Balinese fast and meditate for the day. According to the media, enforcers known as "Pecalang" will make rounds to ensure that the prohibitions are observed. Tourists and non-Hindus are free to continue with their activities indoors. THE SECOND DAY OF NEW YEAR I learnt that after ending Nyepi, they continue with the second day of the new year known as Ngembak Geni. This is when families and neighbours exchange visits and forgiveness. At some parts of the island, the media reported Nyepi ends with a unique tradition known as “Omed-omedan”, a mass kissing ritual. The Nyepi in fact started on Monday, with the Melasti ceremony performed at Puras (temples) near the sea. The ceremony is to cleanse the sacred objects of the temples using the sacred sea water. It also symbolically cleanses one from sins. In some parts, on Sunday, the Hindus observed the Pecaruan, also called as Tawur Kesanga, where they scatter the "nasi tawur" (rice) and beat pots and pans to drive away evil spirits. It is also where the youngsters will parade a giant puppet known as Ogoh-ogoh and burn it to frighten the evil spirit known as Bhuta Kala. Despite of the silence, I find this being an interesting celebration worth writing. -- BERNAMA