I associate Hindu festivities, especially those commemorating the beginning of seasons or the calendar year with feasting, singing, dancing etc. I was really surprised therefore to discover that at least in one part of the world, Hindus choose to welcome the new year with silence, quiet reflection and fasting. Meditation, silence and fasting are very much integral to Hindu traditions but they are generally not a part of seasonal celebrations. I wonder where Nyepi derives from – from Ramadan, Yom Kippur, Buddhist meditative practices? Or is it indigenous to the island of Bali? This year March 7 was Nyepi.
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali’s Lunar New Year (March 7, 2008). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.
Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.
On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.
(Story and link via Sepia Mutiny)
More on Balinese Nyepi Day customs here.
Accidental Blogger 
One response to “A New Year Like Yom Kippur”
“Maun vrat” or silence fast is an established Hindu practice, though no day or community association is provided with it.It is possible that there are Jain associations with the practice. Jainism and Buddhism are both much more communitarian faiths than Hinduism which in some ways is quite individualistic.
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