0 Nyepi Day proves interfaith tolerance and harmony

The peaceful and serene Nyepi Day of Silence, performed by the majority of Hindu residents in Bali last Tuesday, and sense of tolerance among other communities during the holy day has proven their strong commitment to create harmonious interfaith relations. “We were so proud and grateful to undergo a quiet and solemn Nyepi, while witnessing respect and tolerance among residents of other faiths,” said Ida Bagus Wiyana, chairman of Bali Interfaith Forum to Bali Daily on the day after Nyepi Bali is home to 3.2 million Hindu residents (almost 90 percent of the island’s 3.9 million population). 

But, the island has also provided space for people of other faiths. For centuries, the Balinese Hindus have been living in peace with their Muslim neighbors (estimated at 348,617 residents); Buddhist community (around 19,987 persons); Christians (estimated around 41,799 persons), Catholics (32,233 persons) and Confucianism (124 persons). Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence, was the day to mark the starting of the Hindu New Year according to the Saka lunar calendar. During Nyepi Day, which fell on March 12 this year, the island was totally closed to any visitor for 24 hours. 

Hindu believers were refrained from using electricity, setting up fires, traveling outside their homes or participating in entertainment activities. Visitors and non-Hindu residents were expected to pay respect to the local religious requirements by following rules set by the local authorities and traditional village guards. “The Bali Interfaith Forum has expressed its thankfulness to all non-Hindu residents who have shown their respect and support to all Hindu residents in performing the series of Nyepi rituals and performing Catur Brata Penyepian. 

We [all Hindu residents] highly appreciate their efforts,” Wiyana said. The Indonesian Parisadha Hindu Council (PHDI) Bali chapter chairman, I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, also conveyed his appreciation for the peaceful Nyepi Day in Bali. “We are so grateful that the Nyepi Day of Silence could run smoothly.” The Nyepi ritual is part of Balinese Hindus efforts to get close to their creator. “The universe was ‘resting’ on that day. For human beings, it is time to contemplate and to refrain from doing negative actions,” Sudiana said.

source : bali daily