As Bali prepares for the Day of Silence, or Nyepi, thousands of Hindus gathered for the sacred Melasti ceremony, a purification ritual held in various locations across the island.
The event, a key part of the lead-up to Nyepi, saw large processions and prayers.
Purification and Reflection in Buleleng
In Buleleng, the Melasti ceremony was held at Pura Agung Jagatnatha, where local officials, including Buleleng Regent I Nyoman Sutjidra, participated alongside Hindu devotees.
The ritual, which took place on 25 March, included the traditional procession of sacred effigies, or Ida Bhatara, from the temple to Segara Buleleng beach.
The highlight of the ceremony was the “Mekekobok” ritual, where worshippers symbolically purified themselves by touching seawater. The event was not only a religious act but also a moment of communal unity.
Regent Sutjidra emphasized the deeper significance of the ritual.
“Melasti is not just about cleansing ourselves but also about strengthening our spiritual connection and unity as a community,” he said.
The procession moved through key streets in Singaraja, attracting both participants and onlookers who witnessed the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive in Bali’s Hindu culture.
Mass Gathering at Tanah Lot
Meanwhile, in Tabanan, approximately 15.000 worshippers from five villages in Kediri district took part in the Melasti ceremony at Tanah Lot, a popular coastal temple and tourist attraction.
The event, held on 26 March, drew attention not only from the Hindu community but also from visiting tourists who watched the ceremony unfold against the backdrop of Bali’s dramatic seascape.
Wayan Sanjaya Tampi, Head of Promotion and Development for Tanah Lot, noted the dual significance of the event.
“Melasti here not only serves its spiritual purpose but also enhances the cultural experience for visitors. Many tourists are fascinated by the scale and meaning of the ceremony.”
Among the visitors was Rena, a tourist from Jakarta, who expressed awe at the blend of Bali’s natural beauty and religious tradition.
“It’s amazing to see this culture up close. The way the Balinese preserve their rituals is truly admirable,” she said.
Impact on Traffic and Tourism
With thousands participating, the processions led to temporary road closures and traffic congestion, particularly in areas near the temples and beaches.
Authorities advised travelers to plan their routes accordingly, especially as Nyepi approaches on 29 March, when the island will observe 24 hours of silence with no travel or activity allowed.
