Nyepi or "Day of Silence" is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar

It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali

Nyepi, a public holiday, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese

The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day

On this day, the youth of Bali practice the ceremony of Omed-omedan or 'The Kissing Ritual' to celebrate the new year

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection, and as such, anything that might interfere

with that purpose is restricted

The main restrictions are no lighting fires and lights must be kept low)

No working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling and

for some no talking or eating at all

The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali's usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes

The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens

Tourists are free to do as they wish inside their hotels but no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day

The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together