The Nyepi Holiday Icaka New Year (1925) falls on April 2, 2003. It is the day of absolute silence throughout the island when allactivities cease, no traffic is seen anywhere, no fire is lit and no amusements allowed. Nyepi day is actually the day of self introspection for Hindu followers, when the entire island becomes deserted.

All flights at the International Ngurah Rai Airport, harbor and other kinds of transportation are cancelled. Emergency and technical services are maintained, however. Activities are also allowed in emergency rooms and maternity sections of hospitals.
The only people allowed on the streets are men in black - 'Pecalang', the traditional security units. These have the duty of controlling the orderliness of the silent celebration.

All business enterprises, academic matters, government offices and other public services are closed, except for some hotels that are only allowed to hold inbound activities, with minimized lights and noise. Guests are asked to stay inside the hotel.

Nyepi Day is derived from the word 'sepi', meaning silent. As a religious event of Balinese Hindus, Nyepi is a symbolic replay of philosophical principles. The world is 'cleansed' at the beginning of the year - the Balinese do not celebrate the New Year with lavish party, but celebrate the coming year with meditation.

All the Hindu followers are obliged to carry out the Catur Brata Penyepian (the four ways of realizing Nyepi Day). These are: no fire (amati geni), no work / activities (amati karya), no amusement (amati lelanguan), and no traveling (amati lelungan). The result is total silence throughout the island. On the following day, called Ngembak Geni, people celebrate their success in controlling themselves, and it is a day of get-togethers and family gatherings.

Things to do on Nyepi Day
Both locals and foreigners are obliged to obey these rules when they are in Bali on Nyepi.

• The silence begins at 5 a.m. of April 2 and continues for 24 hours.
  
• The airport will be totally closed on April 2. All connecting airports around the globe have been informed about it in advance.
  
• You should not plan to arrive in Bali on April 2, as all traffic is banned from the roads.
  
• You should stay inside your house. Daily needs should be organised the previous day, as all shops and services will be closed.
  
• Keep noise levels low in the house.

Calendar system for Balinese Hindus
Balinese Hindus use the Saka calendar system and the 210-day Pawukon system. The Saka calendar is a lunar system, with each month beginning the day after the new moon. The year always coincides with the Gregorian March. The Saka year, which came from India, uses a numbering system of 78 years behind the Gregorian year.