Nyepi Celebrations in Other Regions besides Bali
In Nyepi Day, a Hindu celebration of introspection and serenity, is not exclusive to the island of Bali. There are several regions in Indonesia that also celebrate this event with a specialty. Here are some regions in Indonesia that also celebrate Nyepi Day, besides Bali.
- Lombok
Lombok, Bali's neighboring island, also has a Hindu community that celebrates Nyepi Day with great solemnity. Although the scale of the celebration may not be as big as in Bali, the essence of this celebration is still maintained. The Melasti procession and Ogoh-Ogoh parade are also integral parts of the Nyepi celebration in Lombok. Quoted from an article on the Buleleng Regency Environmental Service website, Melasti is a ceremony for taking spring water. This ceremony is interpreted as cleansing the universe, including mother earth and everything in it. - Central Java and Yogyakarta
Some areas in Central Java, such as Solo and its surroundings, and Yogyakarta, have Hindu communities that actively celebrate Nyepi. Here, Nyepi celebrations also begin with the Melasti ceremony held on the beach or at holy water sources. Ogoh-Ogoh processions and the blackout of lights as a symbol of tranquility are part of Nyepi celebrations in Central Java and Yogyakarta. - West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan also has a Hindu community that celebrates Nyepi Day. This celebration is generally followed by religious ceremonies and Ogoh-Ogoh parades that showcase the creativity of the local community in designing giant statues. - North Sumatra
In North Sumatra, especially in the city of Medan, there are Hindu communities that celebrate Nyepi with great enthusiasm. Religious and traditional events, such as the Melasti procession and Ogoh-Ogoh parade, are an important part of the celebration.
Nyepi Day celebrations outside of Bali show the diversity of cultures in Indonesia. Hindu communities scattered across the region seek to preserve this tradition as a form of respect for cultural and religious heritage. While the scale of celebrations may vary, the essence of Nyepi as a time of introspection and tranquility remains the core that connects these celebrations across the country.
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