15 Mar 2023 | 01:15 PM UTC
Indonesia: Bali Province to observe Nyepi March 22
Nyepi holiday observance to take place in Bali Province, Indonesia, March 22. Business and transport disruptions to occur.
Event
Balinese Hindus will observe Nyepi, which is a Hindu Day of Silence, March 22. Hindus will remain at their family compounds, refrain from working, and avoid using fire, lights, and electricity during the holiday.
Transport and business disruptions will occur in Bali during the observance period. Authorities will suspend all transport services and close streets to all traffic except emergency vehicles. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) will almost certainly close around 06:00 March 22-06:00 March 23. Seaports in Bali, including Gilimanuk, will also almost certainly halt operations at varying time frames. Banks, government offices, and private businesses will likely shut down in tourist areas late March 21 and possibly earlier in other parts of the province.
While hotels are exempt from Nyepi restrictions, authorities do not allow tourists to leave their hotel compounds. Pecalang (traditional security personnel) typically monitor beaches to prevent tourists from using them during Nyepi and may force people to return to their homes or hotels. Authorities could limit and/or suspend internet services in Bali during Nyepi.
Nyepi ceremonies, including Melasti purification rituals, will take place across Bali, typically starting days before the holiday. Additional police officers will likely deploy to help Pecalang secure a series of Nyepi ceremonies across Bali. Balinese Hindus will observe Pengrupukan rituals on the evening of March 21; these rituals involve public parades of large papier-mache effigies of evil spirits called ogoh-ogoh. Rival groups have tried to destroy each other's ogoh-ogoh in the past, prompting localized unrest.
Advice
Observe local customs and remain indoors for the duration of the Nyepi holiday if visiting or working in Bali. Consider rescheduling travel plans to avoid arriving on the island late March 21 through early March 23 due to Nyepi ceremonies and associated disruptions.
