Just a few days before Nyepi, you might spot thousands of Balinese villagers heading towards the ocean for Melasti. But what's it all about?
If you’re arriving in Bali right before Nyepi, first of all, lucky you! Bali’s “Day of Silence” marks the start of the Balinese New Year, and it’s one of the most magical days on the Balinese calendar. But ahead of silent day is a lesser-known ceremony that takes place in preparation for Nyepi. This ceremony is called Melasti. Melasti is when thousands of Balinese people can be seen walking the streets, taking intricate objects to the beach or a nearby body of water.
The Melasti ceremony in Bali is a powerful and sacred purification ritual that occurs three days before Nyepi. In a nutshell, this age-old tradition symbolises spiritual cleansing, where temple objects are brought to a natural water source to be purified. But, what does Melasti mean, exactly? We asked Hinduism expert, Dr. Ravinjay Kuckreja, to break it down for us. Here’s all you need to know about the sacred Melasti ceremony in Bali.
What is the Melasti ceremony in Bali?
Before the Śaka New Year, known as Nyepi in Bali, the Balinese observe a day of ritual cleansing. During this time, sacred objects from local Hindu temples are taken to the ocean, lakes, rivers, and springs to be purified. This festivity is called “Melasti”, which means “to cleanse” or “to purify”.
What is the significance of the Melasti ceremony in Balinese Hindu culture?
The temple shrines across the island house a variety of sacred objects. These objects include Keris daggers, Barong masks of natural spirits, Rangda masks which symbolise the divine Goddess, and Pratima which embodies ancestral spirits. They serve as intermediaries between the seen and unseen worlds, and they are awakened through ceremonies to hold and manifest the spiritual. As such, they cease to be mere objects and become sacred vessels. When Hindus gather to worship in temples, it’s these vessels that make the divine presence tangible.
Why these sacred vessels require regular care
Now, it may seem unusual that these spiritual vessels require regular upkeep and cleansing. However, this practice is essential to maintaining their purity, ensuring they continue to hold the intention and energy of the devoted. In Balinese Hinduism, God is not seen as a person or a separate being. God is this divinity that permeates everything and everyone. These ceremonies serve as a constant reminder that the divine is present, bringing purpose and life to these spiritual vessels.
Each Balinese temple holds the “Odalan”, or the temple’s anniversary festival to maintain its sacred vessels. Unlike the deities enshrined in Indian temples, it’s during Odalan in Bali that these sacred objects are brought out, cleansed, decorated, worshipped, and even entertained. At this special time, the ancestors and Gods are welcomed to descend. Besides Odalan, the Balinese Hindu calendar is filled with other festivals where these sacred vessels are taken out for cleansing and procession. And one of the most significant, is Melasti.
How is the Melasti ceremony conducted in Bali?
Most renowned Melasti ceremonies take place on the beach, as the ocean is considered the best source of purification. Priests summon Tirtha Kamandalu, the ambrosial nectar drawn from the depths of the sea, to cleanse the sacred objects and maintain their purity.
Where does the Melasti ceremony take place in Bali?
While Melasti is most commonly held at the shore, it does not have to take place by the ocean. Rivers, springs, or any nearby water source can serve as the site of purification. However, in the days leading up to Nyepi, the grand Melasti processions can often be seen making their way through Bali’s bustling roads, moving toward the sea in a spectacle of devotion and reverence.
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Read more from Dr. Ravinjay Kuckreja here – a Religious Studies lecturer and expert in ancient Balinese and Indian scriptures. Dr. Ravinjay is also the host of the Being Bali podcast, which is dedicated to explaining all about Balinese culture, history and religion.
