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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Amelia Neath

What is Bali’s sacred day of silence and what are the rules?

Melasti ceremony prayer at a beach in Denpasar on Indonesia's island of Bali on 16 March days before Nyepi - (AFP/Getty)

Earlier this year, Bali celebrated Nyepi, a new year celebration held annually on the Indonesian island that requires everyone to observe a day of silence and stay indoors.

The sacred Hindu custom is expected to be practised by locals and visitors alike, but one Swiss tourist made headlines this year after filming himself walking to an empty beach during Nyepi, smiling at the camera and calling the scene “crazy” while swearing in the post’s caption.

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