The tranquility that brings serenity returns once again on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This moment commemorates one of the sacred cultural celebrations for Hindus in Indonesia, known as Hari Raya Nyepi (Day of Silence). Hari Raya Nyepi is celebrated as part of the Saka New Year annually, which falls between March and April.

The silence that defines Hari Raya Nyepi is not merely a reflection of the day's name. Beyond its perception as a national holiday, Hari Raya Nyepi is not just a mere day off but a sacred tradition filled with deep meaning for Hindus in Indonesia.

In truth, the various distractions encountered in this world can unsettle even the strongest souls. Hence, people need a moment to return to themselves, stepping away from worldly commotion to become better individuals. True to its name, Hari Raya Nyepi reminds people of peace and harmony. Additionally, it serves as a religious practice for Hindus to learn restraint in desires and speech.

In this calm atmosphere, Hindus can solemnly worship and engage in self-reflection for 24 hours. However, before observing the silence on Hari Raya Nyepi, Hindus generally conduct the Melasti ceremony to purify themselves.

Melasti involves activities where people perform prayers and self-purification at the seaside or lakeside. Before the ceremony, they cleanse their faces or touch holy water to rid themselves of bad karma. Additionally, various prayer instruments and facilities are also brought for purification.

Catur Brata Penyepian is the next phase after the Melasti process on Hari Raya Nyepi. Catur Brata Penyepian includes ceasing almost all permitted public activities, such as: traveling (Amati Lelungan), refraining from lighting fires (Amati Geni), not working (Amati Karya), and avoiding all forms of indulgence or activities that create noise or disturb the surrounding tranquility (Amati Lelanguan). This self-restraint during Hari Raya Nyepi brings calm, enabling Hindus to evaluate themselves and meditate to become better individuals.

Following the completion of Catur Brata Penyepian, the final ceremony, Ngambek Geni, is performed. This event involves acts of acknowledgment, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Ultimately, Hari Raya Nyepi as a whole symbolizes that restoring the soul by taking a moment away from worldly busyness can bring peace and well-being. Moreover, through soul restoration, one can achieve a level of enlightenment that brings focus for the future. Wishing a peaceful Hari Raya Nyepi 1947 Saka.

(Kornelia Johana Dacosta / Humas UNDIRA)

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Biro Humas & Sekretariat Universitas Dian Nusantara

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