BLITAR – Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered for the Melasti Ceremony at Jolosutro Beach in Blitar ahead of the Nyepi Day of Silence. The purification ritual took place in Ringinrejo Village, Wates District. Participation in the annual ceremony continues to increase each year.
Setiyoko, head of the Melasti Ceremony committee from the Blitar branch of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), said this year’s event carried the theme “Vasudeva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family.” The theme reflects the belief that all living beings belong to the same spiritual family as creations of God.
According to Setiyoko, the number of participants has steadily grown. As a result, parking areas and access roads near the beach have become more crowded. However, improved infrastructure has helped support the smooth flow of the event.
In Hindu tradition, the Melasti Ceremony symbolizes spiritual purification before Nyepi begins. During the ritual, devotees bring sacred temple objects known as pratima to the sea. They perform prayers and cleansing rites as part of the preparation for the holy day.
“The sea symbolizes a place of purification,” Setiyoko said. “Through Melasti, devotees cleanse themselves before entering the next rituals of Nyepi.”
The ceremony also includes the symbolic release of offerings into the sea. During this year’s ritual, organizers released three gunungan offerings made from agricultural produce. The offerings also included animals such as chickens and goats.
After Melasti, the Nyepi celebrations will continue with an Ogoh-ogoh parade and the Tawur Kesanga ritual on Wednesday, March 18. The following day, Hindu devotees will observe Catur Brata Penyepian, marked by silence, fasting, and meditation.
The celebration will conclude with Ngembak Geni, a tradition focused on forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Melasti Ceremony at Jolosutro Beach has taken place for more than three decades. Most participants come from Blitar Regency, while some groups travel from other regions such as Malang.
Blitar Regent Rijanto said the ceremony remains an important part of Nyepi celebrations in the region. He also noted that participation and the quality of offerings continue to improve each year.
According to him, the event also supports the local economy. Food vendors and small businesses often benefit from the large number of visitors.
“I’m grateful to see this positive development,” Rijanto said. “More devotees attend, the offerings are better, and local businesses become more active.”
He added that the celebration also helps strengthen religious harmony in Blitar.