MELASTI CEREMONY
As one of favourite tourism destination in the world, Bali offering many tourism object with very beautiful scenery. Beside of that, Bali also offering culture tourism which very unique. Bali owns immeasurable culture where every day we can find the Hindu ritual in the island, which is famous known as an Island of the God. One of Balinese culture is Melasti Ceremony.
Melasti ceremony is purification the Pratima (God symbol) and other Hindu Religion symbols such as: Barong or Jero Gede, Rangda, Ratu Ayu, Ratu Rarung, Tumbak, Tedung, Bandrang, Rontek and many more at the beach. The Pratima usually put on a place called Joli. Melasti Ceremony is conducted once a year in conjunction with the big Hindu’s Holiday or Hindu’s new year called Nyepi Day or silent day. The Melasti event is generally done three days before Nyepi day or depends to the local custom countryside rule.
First, all Pratima’s and Hindu symbols gathering in Desa Temple or Bale Agung Temple from each Temple. After that, in that day or the next day all Hindu people troop to carry the holy symbol of Hindu religion to the sea to be cleaned and looked at the alongside road the parade of Umbul-umbul symbol and others. It is also accompanied by the traditional gamelan enliven this event.
After come back from beach the Pratima’s and all Hindu symbols usually given a sacrifice called Caru Pamendak in front of Desa Temple or Bale Agung Temple. After that the Pratima and other symbol usually stay for one or two night or hung up the local low, in the temple.
One day before Nyepi day or in Pengrupukan day, all Pratima’s and holy symbols back to each Temple. Its called Mepiak. In the afternoon, all Hindu people arrange a Mecaru Ceremony in their home and also arrange Ogoh – Ogoh Parade for welcoming the Nyepi day in next day.
by, Sukariyanto
