
If you’ve spent any time in Bali, you know this island does things differently—and that includes New Year celebrations! Forget fireworks and all-night parties. Here, the Balinese Hindu New Year comes with fire-breathing demon parades, beach purification rituals, and an entire day where the island completely shuts down.
Welcome to Nyepi—Bali’s Day of Silence, a tradition unlike anything else in the world.
This year, Nyepi falls on Saturday, March 29, 2025, beginning at 6 AM and ending 24 hours later at 6 AM on March 30. That means:
🚫 No flights in or out of Bali (yes, the airport actually closes!)
🚫 No one on the streets (except emergency services)
🚫 No lights, loud noises, or entertainment (so keep those Netflix marathons very quiet)
🚫 No shops, cafes, or restaurants open (including us at Alive Wholefoods!)
Basically, for one full day, Bali hits the pause button, and it’s honestly kind of magical.
Future Nyepi Day dates:
Two days before Nyepi, you might spot thousands of Balinese Hindus dressed in white, carrying sacred objects to the beach. This is Melasti, a huge purification ceremony where people cleanse their souls and temple artifacts with “the water of life” (Tirta Amerta).
The night before Nyepi (March 28, 2025).
This is the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, where giant, terrifying demon statues are carried through the streets in a riot of noise, drums, and gamelan music. The idea? Scare off any lingering evil spirits so they don’t stick around for the new year.
Expect:
🔥 Massive, hand-crafted demon effigies (some up to 5 meters tall!)
🎶 Loud, clashing music designed to freak out the spirits
🌀 Statues spun in circles at crossroads (because spirits apparently get confused easily)
🔥 The grand finale: the Ogoh-Ogoh are burned, symbolizing purification
It’s loud, chaotic, and absolutely epic—just don’t be surprised if your usual shortcut home is blocked by a giant, fire-breathing demon made of bamboo and paper-mâché.
🚗 Heads up: Roads around Bali (including near Alive Wholefoods!) will be closed for the parades, so plan your travel accordingly. Or better yet—just embrace the chaos, grab a front-row seat, and enjoy the show!
Then… comes the calm.
For 24 hours, the island goes completely silent. Even the internet and phone networks are shut off in some areas (yes, for real).
The Balinese observe Catur Brata Penyepian, or the Four Prohibitions:
🔇 Amati Karya (no work) – A day off? Yes, please!
🔇 Amati Geni (no fire, light, or electricity) – Time to light those candles!
🔇 Amati Lelungan (no travel) – Forget your scooter, you’re staying put!
🔇 Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment) – A digital detox never hurt anyone!
This quiet, meditative day is meant to reset the island’s energy, reflect on the past year, and start fresh. Even if you’re not Hindu, it’s a rare opportunity to slow down and fully embrace stillness.
So… what do you do on Nyepi?
If you’ve been through a Nyepi before, you know the grocery stores turn into absolute mayhem the day before. Avoid the last-minute rush, shop early and stock up!
🍞 Fresh sourdough, pastries & gluten-free goodies
🥗 Organic salads, hummus, and fermented foods
🥑 Super fresh fruits & veggies to keep you feeling good
🕯️ Candles & incense to set the Nyepi mood
🍫 Healthy snacks & treats (because snacks are essential, obviously)
💛 Shop on Tuesday 25th, Wednnesday 26th and Thursday 27th of March
💛 Spend 500K IDR in-store + be an Alive Tribe Member to get a Nyepi Goodies pack
💛 Spend 800K IDR and also receive the Nyepi Goodies pack plus a bunch of other goodies from our amazing suppliers and a NEW Alive Thermal Shopper Bag.
Not a member yet? Sign up free in-store or online and enjoy perks all year round!
Whether this is your first Nyepi or your fifth, there’s something truly special about experiencing an entire island in total silence. It’s a time to reset, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of stillness—because, let’s be real, in our hyper-connected world, when do we ever get to do that?
So take a breath, look up at the stars. embrace the quiet, and we’ll see you refreshed and recharged after Nyepi!
✨ Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi, Bali fam! ✨
Promotion is valid only for Alive Tribe Members - If you’re not a member you can sign up in store or better yet sign up online here to save time in store. It’s free to join - learn about our member benefits here.
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