Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Indonesia

New Year’s Eve is one of the largest global celebrations because it marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, December 31, before the New Year. Count down to the New Year no matter where you are in the world. The New Year celebration in Indonesia is also always lively and attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy the celebration that may not be found in the other country. As we always said, Indonesia is a very large and rich country. So it is normal that every place in Indonesia has its own way to celebrate this celebration. However, live a new year’s eve in Indonesia will be always a nice and pleasent experience.

On New Year’s Eve, Indonesia transforms into a country of splendid fireworks and an unforgettable festive experience. The days before 31 December people get together, they use to go out for dinner and stay with family and friends. And what is loved the most is the fireworks. 

In Bali is different. New Year’s day in the Balinese  is Nyepi Day. This day the island  turns off all lights and sounds, stops all traffic, deserts all worldly activities, and meditates, while complete silence and serenity reigns over the entire island. Is the first day of the year according to their calendar.

But before Nyepi Day or Day of Silence they do some celebrations:

-Melasti (also called Melis or Mekiis): The ritual is performed 3-4 days before Neypi Day  at the Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) which is meant to purify effigies, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to the temples, and acquire sacred water from the sea. Melasti Ceremony is the biggest purification rituals by parading Hindu’s God Symbols procession to the sea. It is an unique tradition in Bali

-Bali Ogoh-Ogoh is very identical with Nyepi Day in Bali. It can be said that ogoh ogoh is the most interesting event among the series of Nyepi Ceremony. Ogoh ogoh are paraded in the Pengrupukan night, which is a day before the Saka New Year or so called Nyepi Day. Ogoh-ogoh whose appearance is very scary is usually paraded around the village or town by the Banjar or traditional village society which is dominated by the youth. The main purpose of the making of Ogoh-ogoh is the purification of the natural environment of any spiritual pollutants emitted from the activities of living beings (especially humans).

-Nyepi Day: The Nyepi day starts after Ogoh Ogoh Festival at 6.00AM. It is also known as the Day of Silence. It’s ultimately the quietest day of the year – all of the island’s inhabitants abide by a set of local rules that bring routine activities to a complete halt. Roads all over Bali are void of any traffic and nobody steps outside of their home premises. Nyepi is a day fully dedicated to connect oneself more closely with God (Hyang Widi Wasa) through prayers and at the same time as a day of self-introspection to decide on values, such as humanity, love, patience, kindness, and others, that should be kept forever.

But Bali is also known for international travelleres for being one of the best islands of the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Before COVID-19 you can find in Bali all kind of exclusive activities and celebrations. Best hotels of the island offer special food menus, fireoworks, special parties...It can be a real  and amazing experience. But so far it is not possible.  It happens the same in Jakarta and other cities of the country.  However, it doesn’t matter what you do, but for sure you will  have a wonderful and memorable new year’s eve in Indonesia.