All you need to know about Bali's Day of Silence
The normally bustling Indonesian island of Bali has shut down mobile internet, closed its airport, and shuttered all shops for Nyepi or the "Day of Silence" which marks New Year on the predominantly Hindu island. Beginning at 6 am on Saturday, streets and beaches were emptied for 24 hours and special patrols were assigned to ensure that silence is observed. Here's more.
What is Nyepi?
Nyepi is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar primarily in Bali, and is a public holiday in Indonesia. On Nyepi, Balinese Hindus observe four "prohibitions" - no fire, no travel, no activity and no entertainment.
The first time that internet access has been shut down
This is the first time that the government has agreed to shut down mobile internet access for a day, and has said that this will be the norm from now on. The government has also shut down television and radio broadcasts, and all Balinese residents are required to stay indoors for the day. Other modes of internet access like Wi-Fi is operating normally.
The aim is to promote reflection without distraction from gadgets
"Many Hindu people are addicted to gadgets. I hope during Nyepi they can be introspective," said Hinduism Society head Gusti Ngurah Sudiana.
Mixed reactions to shutting down of mobile internet
However, the government's move to shut down mobile internet access has drawn criticism from several quarters on the grounds of inconvenience for tourists and non-Hindu residents, with many holding that the government went too far. On the other hand, many others, including both residents and organizations, welcomed the move, saying it was conducive to introspection and reflection which marks the occasion.
