Nothing Above a Whisper, Please

Hindu Leaders Remind Public to Stay Home and Stay Quiet on Nyepi Day, Tuesday, March 28, 2017

 

Devout Balinese Hindu have been told by religious leaders that they are forbidden to take a “selfie”photograph in front of Bali’s deserted streets on Nyepi – Bali’s day of absolute silence – that falls on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year of Saka 1939, the Island of Bali will “close down” beginning from before sunrise on March 28th until sunrise the following morning. All sea and airports will close, broadcast stations - including cable networks will go silent, streets will empty of all traffic, and visitors will be confined to their hotel or villas for the entire period. Religious rules – honored by both Hindus and non-Hindus alike – demand Catur Bratha Penyepian guidelines encouraging meditation and reflection be honored that stipulate:

• Amati gni – no open fires or flames
• Amati lelanguan – no pleasurable activities
• Amati karya – no work or labor
• Amati Lelungan – no journeys

During this day – held after a day of parades and merriment the night before Nyepi  – community law enforcement officials (pacalang) will circulate to make sure no persons, no light and no noise emanate from any homes in the community.

As reported by NusaBali, the chairman of the The Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI), Professor Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, reminded people that “selfies” or self-portraits made with cameras during Nyepi are not allowed.

Sudiana said the public, particularly Balinese Hindus, are not allowed to make “selfies.” He called on Hindus to serve as a good example to others by avoiding the tendency to venture forth from their homes and document the quiet streets with their hand phone cameras. Officials complained that violators of Nyepi rules can be found playing on the empty streets, riding their bicycles or even playing soccer on the say of silence. The Hindu official said such activities are absolutely forbidden on Nyepi.

Adding insult to injury, many people make photos of themselves on empty streets and then post them on Social Media.

Sudiana reminded pecalang guards and member of the police are also not allowed to make photographic self-portraits over the Nyepi holiday.

Ngurah Sudiana said: “The momentum of 'Nyepi' is the best time to stay at home in order to introspect and meditate on our lives over the past year. Nyepi day has also been proven to have a positive effect on the natural environment.”

Hotel operators in Bali promoting “Nyepi Packages” are reminded to honor the spirit of Catur Bratha Penyepian by explaining to their guests proper behavior and the need to not venture off hotel grounds during the 24-hour period. Guest must be told not to go for walks along the beach. Hotels that fail to keep their guests confined to their properties risk being summoned and censured by community and regional government bodies.

Nyepi rules provide travel beyond one’s place of residence is only allowed in emergencies when someone is ill and needs medical attention.

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