Approaching the Silent Day or Nyepi, Balinese people occupy themselves preparing a ceremony on the beach. This is the moment to bathe “temple belongings” or ceremony equipments with ocean water. The purifying ceremony is named “Melasti” which is defined as a ritual to clean the dirt with the water of life. Those who live in the areas which are miles distant from ocean could carry out this ritual on the lake.
Melasti is initiated with a parade of people in their traditional costumes moving from village temple to the source of water. They would border the praying area to keep it refined from any bad things before they seat themselves and devote their mind to God. Then, the ceremonial sequences would end with the line of people returning the equipments to the village temple.
Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali had a chance to peep this ritual in the nearby village temple on March 28, 2014. Local Balinese from Tengkulung village united in the temple yard which had been bordered with some metal poles. Guests from the hotels were allowed to stand to witness this ceremony only if they were not wearing any swimsuit.
Preparing offerings on the yard of the village temple
Asking for protection
Carrying offerings to the ocean
The spectators were entertained by traditional dance
References:
Ardee. Meraih Kesucian Diri Menjelang Nyepi dalam Upacara Melasti. Retrieved on April 4, 2013 from http://www.indonesiakaya.com/kanal/detail/meraih-kesucian-diri-menjelang-nyepi-dalam-upacara-melasti
Artawijaya, Ajunk (March 2013). Upacara Melasti (Mekiyis) dalam Perayaan Hari Raya Nyepi di Bali. Retrieved on April 7, 2014 from http://catatanradiograf.blogspot.com/2010/03/upacara-melsti-mekiyis-dalam-perayaan.html
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Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali is an all-inclusive beachfront resort in the southern part of Bali. Through its 301-rooms and suites, 5 restaurants and bars, this Bali Resort offers a perfect marriage of luxury and fun. For further information, please visit www.grandmirage.com