Nyepi
Nyepi row: ‘Crazy’ Bali video lands Swiss tourist in jail over insulting Hindu holiday
A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of insulting a Hindu religious observance in Bali, Indonesia, media reports said.
The tourist was identified by media outlets as Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, a Swiss construction worker.
According to the BBC, Zgraggen was seen in a video he recorded and posted on social media entering an empty beach during Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence. In the video, he reportedly described the deserted scene as “crazy.”
He was arrested in March after the video sparked widespread outrage among Balinese users on social media, the BBC reported.
The tourist was reportedly seen filming himself violating the restrictions imposed during Nyepi and posting the footage on Instagram with a caption containing expletives.
Nyepi was observed on March 19 this year.
What is Nyepi?
Nyepi, also known as the Bali Day of Silence, is one of the most important Hindu observances in Bali and marks the Saka New Year. It is observed following the new moon in March, according to the Viceroy Bali website.
During Nyepi, the island comes to a standstill for 24 hours. Lights, music and other forms of noise are restricted, while transportation is halted and people are required to remain indoors.
Residents and visitors are expected to observe the restrictions regardless of their religious background.
The restrictions are extensive: Bali's airport is closed for the day, while internet access is also restricted in many parts of the island.
The observance is intended as a period of silence, self-reflection and spiritual purification.
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