Ahead Of Nyepi 2023, Hindus In Magelang Hold Melasti Ceremony

A number of Hindus in Magelang to Sumber Mata Air Tuk Mas in Dakawu Hamlet, Lebak Village, Grabeng District to hold a Melasti Ceremony ahead of Nyepi Day. ANTARA/Heru Suyitno

MAGELANG - Hindus in Magelang held a Melasti Ceremony ahead of Nyepi Day Saka New Year 1945/year 2023. The activity was carried out at the Mata Air Source Tuk Mas Dakawu Hamlet, Lebak Village, Grabag District, Magelang Regency.

Chairman of the Committee for the New Year's Nyepi Committee Saka 1945/year 2023 Magelang I Gede Suarti in Magelang, Sunday, said this activity was a series of Nyepi Day 2023.

During the water collection procession, the young people from Bali who were studying at the Magelang Military Academy joined the Bali gamelan.

I Gede Suarti said that the holy water was taken at the Mata Air Tuk Mas, after coming from Tuk Mas, then the water was brought to Wira Buana Magelang Temple.

"When he arrived at the temple, he was greeted by the Medak Tirta Ceremony or greeted with water, then the water in several jerry cans was placed on padmasari, which would later be used for prayers," he said.

After Melasti, he said, on Tuesday, March 21 at 13.00 WIB, an ogoh-ogoh parade was carried out, starting from Artos to Pura Wira Buwana Akmil.

According to him, the ogoh-ogoh parade aims to introduce art and cultural communities, especially Hindus in Magelang. In addition, it is also to neutralize evil spirits so as not to disturb mankind.

Then at 17.00 WIB, Tawur Kesanga was held in the yard of Wira Buwana Temple followed by prayers at Mandala Utama Pura Wira Buwana.

On Wednesday, March 22 at 00.01-24.00 WIB, Catur Brata Penyepian was held in temples and in their respective homes.

He explained that Catur Brata Penyepian consists of four things, namely "observing the geni" or not starting a fire, "observation of the lingung" or not traveling, "observing the auction" or not having fun, and "observing the work" or not working.