Culture

Nusa Penida Festival 2023: A Harmonious Blend of Culture and Nature

Blog, Culture, Events·

Nusa Penida Festival, held on the exotic island of Nusa Penida, Bali. This festival is not just a celebration, but also a sincere offering to Dewa Baruna and an exhibition of the ancestral culture of the coastal region of Nusa Penida.

Understanding the Meaning Behind the Nusa Penida Festival

The Nusa Penida Festival is held as a form of appreciation and offering to Dewa Baruna, who is regarded as the ruler of the sea. The sea, which is a source of life for the Nusa Penida community, is valued not only for its natural wealth but also for providing a cultural identity for the local community. By holding this festival, the Nusa Penida community wants to show their gratitude and at the same time promote their cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.

Yadnya: Sacred Dance and Pasepan

One of the unique and sacred elements of this festival is the dance from the Yadnya ceremony. In which, the dancers will carry “pasepan”, a specific dance item from Batununggul Village. This dance not only demonstrates the skill and expertise of the dancers but also carries the deep values and philosophy of the local community, making it a spectacle that is not only beautiful but also meaningful.

Nusa Penida Festival Event Line-up

The Nusa Penida Festival, which will be held from October 5th – 7th, 2023, at the Sampalan Public Field, Nusa Penida, Bali. Will be enlivened with various events, including:

  • Jangecak Kolosal: A massive performance involving numerous people in a single scene.
  • Wayang Samudra: A puppet show that takes the theme of stories from the ocean and its life.
  • Cultural Parade: A parade that displays various cultural elements of Nusa Penida, including traditional clothing, music, and dances.
  • Coral Planting: An activity to plant corals aimed at preserving the marine ecosystem.
  • Fashion Show: A fashion exhibition featuring the works of local designers, lifting themes of culture and nature.
  • Traditional Dance: Performances of various traditional dances that reflect the cultural richness of Nusa Penida.
  • UMKM Exhibition: An exhibition that showcases products from local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM).

Traditional Sailing Boat Competition at the Nusa Penida Festival

On October 7th, the festival will feature a Sailing Boat Competition, where dozens of participants will compete, showcasing their sailing skills and strategies on the vibrant blue waters of Nusa Penida. This competition not only adds a spirited and competitive element to the festival but also pays homage to the maritime traditions and prowess of the local communities.

Conclusion

The Nusa Penida Festival is not merely an event but a harmonious blend of gratitude, offerings, and exhibitions of culture and nature. By presenting various elements, from the sacred to the educational, this festival becomes a gateway for visitors to see, feel, and understand more deeply about the life, culture, and nature of Nusa Penida. Let’s support and be a part of this celebration, and at the same time provide a positive contribution to the development of local tourism and economy.

Sea Silence Day: Unique Traditions in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan

Blog, Culture·

Sea silence day in Nusa Penida, a beautiful island located in the Klungkung Regency of Bali, is not only renowned for its captivating natural beauty but also for its diverse and unique traditions and culture. One tradition that has garnered attention is Sea Silence (Nyepi Laut), a sacred ceremony that forms part of the local wisdom of the Nusa Penida community.

On September 30th, 2023, the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will be observing “Nyepi Laut” or Sea Silence Day.

This day is dedicated to honoring Dewa Baruna, the deity governing the seas, and is celebrated on the fourth full moon of the Balinese calendar. On Nyepi Laut, all maritime activities, including transportation to and from the islands and water-based activities, come to a halt. It is a day marked for meditation and reflection, to show respect to the sea that nourishes and encompasses the three islands.

Please note that Hotel, Villa, Resort & Spa maybe will not be facilitating any check-ins or check-outs on Sea Silence Day, and ocean water activities will be restricted.

Conducting Sea Silence

Sea Silence is held annually as part of the Ngusaba ceremony series. This ceremony takes place alternately at two temples in Nusa Penida, namely Penataran Ped Temple in odd years and Batumedawu Temple in even years. During Sea Silence, the waters around the Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan islands rest temporarily.

The Sea Silence in Nusa Penida starts at 06.00 WITA and lasts until 06.00 WITA the following day. This tradition is usually held on the day of Purnama Sasih Kapat, which falls between September and October each year, precisely a day after the full moon.

Meaning and Philosophy

The community of Nusa Penida believes that during Sea Silence, Dewa Baruna is meditating. Therefore, humans are prohibited from disturbing his tranquility with activities in the sea. If this prohibition is violated, it is believed that misfortune or disaster will occur.

Sea Silence is also considered a time to rest the sea from various human activities and busyness. It represents gratitude and thanks for all the bounty received from the sea. Additionally, this tradition signifies purification or cleansing in the sea, leading to the harmony of the universe.

Tourist Experience

For tourists planning to visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan in September – October, it is advised to check the Sea Silence schedule. Although marine activities are halted, tourists can still enjoy the beauty of nature and culture of Nusa Penida on land. This can be a good opportunity to get to know the local wisdom of the community and enjoy a more serene and peaceful natural atmosphere.

Conclusion

Sea Silence in Nusa Penida is a unique tradition that reflects local wisdom and harmonious living between humans and nature. This tradition offers a different and profound experience, both for the local community and for tourists visiting the island. By respecting and preserving this tradition, we can learn a lot about sustainability and the balance of the universe.  

When is Sea Silence Day?

For travelers wanting to holiday in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembonga, and Nusa Ceningan, it’s important to know when Sea Silence Day is celebrated. This ceremony, which is a unique tradition, happens once a year. It’s in September or October, specifically a day after the full moon, according to the Isaka calendar. If you want to see Sea Silence in Nusa Penida, you can come a day before and stay for 3 days and 2 nights in Nusa Penida. Here are the Sea Silence dates in Nusa Penida for the next 10 years starting from 2023: September 30, 2023, October 18, 2024, October 7, 2025, September 27, 2026, September 16, 2027, October 4, 2028, September 23, 2029, September 13, 2030, October 2, 2031, and September 20, 2032.

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