Agung volcano Bali Indonesia. View from pura Lempuyang

Nyepi 2017 on Nusa Lembongan, Bali

  • February 23, 2017

Nyepi Day on Nusa Lembongan and across all of Bali is a New Year celebration unlike anywhere else on the planet. Bali celebrates the Saka New Year as the Balinese Day of Silence when all of the island’s inhabitants abide by a set of local rules which brings all routine activities to a complete halt. Here on Nusa Lembongan the same rules apply as they do for the mainland and that means that no-one can leave their house (or grounds), no lights are allowed in the evening and the mains electricity is shut down. The television stations are also shut down and so is even the airport.

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Nyepi is the New Year celebration of the Balinese Calendar

One of the most colourful and lively events of the Balinese calendar year happens the night before Nyepi Day which is called Ogeh Ogeh (or Ogoh Ogoh as spellings vary!)

Ogeh Ogeh is similar to Halloween in western countries in many ways and the event is one which both villages on the island embrace with gusto. Huge statues of monster are made by each of the different community groups which are then secured to bamboo frames in a criss-cross pattern. The men from the village then hoist the frame and statue up on to their shoulders and parade it up and down the village main street – often they will run and jump with them and raise them up above their heads shaking them – bringing “life” to the monster.

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An Ogeh Ogeh statue before the parade

This parade of monsters combined with the beautiful candle light torches which the village children carry is believed to scare away the evil spirits. The ritual of having a day of silence the next day is so that the evil spirits do not know where to come back to and therefore leave.

This year’s Nyepi day is on March 28th and here is a basic layout of the schedule for the celebration (Please note that these times are just guidelines and can be variable!!)

27th Afternoon – Temple activities and offerings will be taking place across the villages – these often include the banging of saucepans to rouse the evil spirits.

27th 7pm – Ogoh Ogoh parade begins in Jungutbatu.

28th 6am – Mainline electricity is shut down and everyone must remain inside.

29th 6am – Mainline electricity is restored and leaving your property is again allowed.

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Ogeh Ogeh ready for the evening parade

Ogoh Ogoh and Nyepi are just two of many ceremonial activities that happen throughout the year here in Nusa Lembongan. Daily ceremonies and the placing of colourful flower filled offerings are a part of island life. If you’d like to know more about the special Balinese culture on the island just let us know – or come and stay and experience it for yourself.

Here at Villa Nusa we have our own generator so guests can still enjoy this day of silence and reflection in comfort. You also don’t need to stay indoors as the pool area and garden are completely private – but you will have to stay on the property.

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After the Ogeh Ogeh, spend Nyepi Day relaxing by the pool

In case of emergencies the Pecelang (the senior members of the temple) are allowed outside and can give assistance to anyone who needs it.

Contact us for more information or to make a booking: donna@balivillanusa.com

comment (2)

  1. Yacon Root

    28 Aug 2017 - 4:47 pm

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  2. Yacon Root

    31 Aug 2017 - 4:11 pm

    Awesome Website. Very much enjoyed reading.

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