A Sacred Pause (Renewal Through Ceremony, Celebration & Silence)

Observing The Balinese New Year: Melasti, Oguh Oguh and Nyepi (Nyepi Week Retreat)

Facilitator: Ellen Watson
Balinese Cultural Hosts: Nonik Arisanti & Indra Priyatna

March 15–22, 2026

Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali

Ellen writes, “How can I entice you to join me, along with my Balinese colleagues, for an immersion, a dip into authentic Balinese rituals, ceremonies, and observances?  The unique culture of Bali, developed over centuries, while officially called ‘Bali Hindu”, includes influence from Indonesia’s predominately Muslim population, as well as by Buddhism, Christianity, 

Join us for an immersive 8-day retreat in Bali during Nyepi Week, the Balinese New Year, when the entire island enters a rare and profound collective silence. This sacred period marks the Balinese Saka New Year, a powerful time for reflection, purification, and energetic reset. 

Anchored at Ananda Cottages, one of the three original guest houses in Ubud, surrounded by rice fields, wrapped in nature’s embrace,  this immersive workshop invites you to experience the rituals, symbolism, and spiritual beauty of Nyepi alongside daily practices in movement, breath, creativity, and community.

Together we will journey through the vibrant pre-Nyepi ceremonies—including Melasti (sea purification), Tawur Kesanga (the dramatic Ogoh-Ogoh parade), and the deeply still Nyepi Day itself, when the island goes completely quiet: no travel, no electricity, no fire. In the days following, we’ll gently re-enter the world through ritual, restorative movement, Balinese arts, and personal integration.

This retreat is ideal for those longing for meaningful cultural connection, deep inner listening, and a transformative reset aligned with nature and spirit. Come celebrate not just a new year—but a new way of being.

Below is a clear and culturally respectful explanation of the three major Balinese New Year events: Melasti, Ogoh-Ogoh, and Nyepi. These rituals form the heart of the Saka New Year celebration, and are included in our time together.

Melasti – Purification at the Sea

3–4 days before Nyepi

Melasti is a deeply sacred cleansing ceremony in which villagers journey together to the sea, rivers, or sacred springs to purify both tangible and intangible impurities. Holy heirlooms, statues, and sacred objects from temples are ritually bathed, accompanied by offerings, prayer, and gamelan music. Participants wear traditional attire in white and gold, symbolizing spiritual purity. 

Melasti is not just a physical cleansing—it's a collective act of clearing the mind, heart, and spirit in preparation for the New Year. We will be invited to respectfully observe and  take part in the offerings at a local water temple.

Ogoh-Ogoh – The Night of Chaos and Catharsis

The evening before Nyepi (March 18, 2026)

On the night before Nyepi, New Year’s Eve, all villages in Bali, erupt in one of its most dramatic and theatrical rituals: the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. Larger than life papier-mâché demon .effigies—crafted by local men and boys —are carried through the streets to symbolize the negative forces and inner demons that must be released before the New Year. 

Accompanied by loud drumming, Gamelan gongs and torchlight, the parade reaches a crescendo of noise, fire, and energy. By burning or banishing the Ogoh-Ogoh at the end of the night, the community symbolically purges chaos and resets its spiritual balance. It’s an unforgettable, high-energy ritual of collective catharsis.  In the later afternoon people begin gathering on the parade routes…we can choose to join either in the center of downtown Ubud, or a smaller village ceremony.

Nyepi – The Day of Silence

March 19, 2026

Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, is the actual New Year’s Day—a 24-hour period when the entire island shuts down in stillness. No lights, no travel, no work, no entertainment. Even the airport closes. Locals and visitors alike stay indoors, observing the four traditional restrictions: no fire, no travel, no activity, no entertainment (Catur Brata Penyepian). Nyepi is not a punishment, but a gift—a sacred day to reflect, meditate, and reset. It is believed that evil spirits, seeing the island completely empty and silent, will pass over, leaving Bali in peace for the year to come.

Sample Daily Schedule

Day 1: Monday, March 16 — Arrival & Opening

  • Afternoon arrivals and check-in at Ananda Cottages

  • Welcome tea and orientation with Ellen, Nonik & Indra

  • Opening Circle: Setting Intentions for Renewal

  • Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Tuesday, March 17 — Melasti: Ritual of Purification

  • Morning moving meditation practices

  • Cultural talk: The Significance of Melasti in Balinese Tradition

  • Excursion to Temple at the Beach for Melasti ceremony (wear white/yellow sarong)

  • Reflection circle: Letting Go & Inner Cleansing

  • Dinner on your own

Day 3: Wednesday, March 18 — Ogoh-Ogoh: The Night of Chaos

  • Morning Vibrance Expressive Arts

  • Breakfast

  • Creative session: Drawing or crafting inner demons (Ogoh-Ogoh theme)

  • Restorative afternoon practice or guided walk

  • Later afternoon trip to Ubud center food and Ogoh-Ogoh parade

  • Return to silent reflection before Nyepi begins

Day 4: Thursday, March 19 — Nyepi: Day of Silence

  • Full day of silence (no electricity, travel, or activity)

  • Optional self-guided practices (meditation, journaling, mindful movement)

  • Nourishing meals provided in silence

  • Evening meditation circle

Day 5: Friday, March 20 — Awakening the New Year

  • Sunrise movement practices & blessing circle

  • Group sharing: Insights from the Silence

  • Workshop: Manifesting New Visions & Intentions

  • Touching Essence: The Art of Giving and Receiving Touch

Day 6: Saturday, March 21 — Creative Expression & Celebration

  • Vibrance Expressive Arts

  • Midday trip to local artisan village or market

  • Collaborative altar & offering creation

  • Evening celebration: Dance, music, and Balinese feast

Day 7: Sunday, March 22 — Integration & Gratitude

  • Expressive Arts Practices

  • Breakfast

  • Guided integration session with Ellen

  • Free afternoon: 

  • Farewell dinner 

Day 8: Monday, March 23 — Departure

  • Wake Up & Roar: Vibrance Expressive Arts 

  • Closing Circle with blessings from Balinese hosts

  • Brunch

  • Airport transfers or onward travel

Venue & Accommodatioan

Ananda Cottages -

Suite Ricefield

The pool with a view and hot tub are the standout features of this suite. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite comprises 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Boasting a terrace with garden views, this suite also provides a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.

Ananda Cottages -

Deluxe Ricefield

Located on the second floor, this double/twin room offers bigger space and a private balcony. It's fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. En suite bathroom has a bath and a shower.

Pricing & Payment

Suite Ricefield View

Full Price - $ 2,875

Early Bird until December 1, 2025 -

$ 2,575

Deluxe Ricefield View

Full Price - $ 2,350

Early Bird until December 1, 2026 -

$ 2,050