Happy Nyepi Day

Today is a Nyepi Day in Bali. Nyepi means quiet in English. Actually Hinduism celebrate their new year today. As for celebration and part of tradition, they celebrate it with four things that they should not do which are not lit any fire, not leaving the house, not doing any work, and not having any entertainment. With all of those, they believe that they will be reborn as new human with new soul.
For non Hinduism who live in Bali, this celebration became a little bit weird. Most of them check themselves in a hotel because of they can not use any electricity at home. Some of them even leave the island to avoid this day. Well, actually you can use electricity, as long as you cover all of the window with dark shades so that the lights that you use inside the house will not get through it. But maybe for some people it is too much to stay at home for twenty four hours, using as small lights as you can and trying not to make any noises.
This year, for the first time in my life in Bali, I have it at home. And until now half day passed, it was not as difficult as I thought. Normally, I always leave the island to avoid this day. I thought it was going to be a torture for me if I stay at home. But surprisingly I was quiet enjoyed it. I still can swim at my back garden, still can watch television even with a very low volume, still can watch movies, and still can use electricity even only with a small amount. And believe it or not, it was nice to have a day just to contemplated yourself.
Most people thought this day going to be a very difficult day, but one thing that they did not know that on this day Bali can reduce its pollutions as much as 30% of its normal pollutions. Just imagine, no factory open on this day, no car on the street, and less electricity. What a beautiful day. And as for the people, staying at home for twenty four hours straight is not so bad. You can start reading all those books that you never read, watch all the movies that you never have time to watch, and how about spending quality times with your family? Sounds boring? Well, just try it. You will know what I am talking about.
^_^