Hindu New Year in Indonesia, known as Nyepi or the Day of Silence, marks the beginning of the Balinese Saka calendar. It is a day of reflection, purification and renewal, observed through 24 hours of silence, fasting and meditation. The celebration promotes spiritual harmony, peace and balance between humans, nature and the divine.

When is Hindu New Year?

Hindu New Year follows the Balinese Saka lunar calendar and usually falls in March, but the exact date changes each year.

The following is the list of Hindu New Year from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Hindu New Year?

The Hindu New Year in Indonesia, particularly in Bali, is celebrated as Nyepi, meaning "to keep silent". Unlike other New Year celebrations filled with noise and festivities, Nyepi is a day of complete silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing.

The Saka calendar originated in India, dating back to around 78 CE, during the reign of King Shalivahana in the Deccan region. When Indian traders and priests brought Hinduism to the Indonesian archipelago between the 1st and 5th centuries CE, the Saka calendar was adopted in Bali and became the basis of local religious observances.

The Balinese adapted Indian Hindu traditions, blending them with indigenous animist practices, resulting in the unique Balinese Hinduism seen today. Over time, the celebration of the Saka New Year evolved into Nyepi, a day focused not on outward festivities, but on inner reflection and spiritual discipline.

Nyepi is a public holiday in Indonesia, celebrated primarily in Bali, but also recognized in Hindu communities across the archipelago. While foreigners are expected to observe the silence rules, many visitors find the experience deeply meaningful, a rare day of complete stillness in modern life. In urban areas, local Hindu groups hold smaller rituals, maintaining the spirit of purification and renewal.