Hindu Residents Conduct Melasti Procession

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Hindu residents in Bali Island conducted clean-up activity (Melasti) program to the Hindu sacred objects (Pratima) to start the Balinese Day of Silence on March 12 to celebrate Saka New Year of 1935 on Tuesday.

"According to the guidelines of Highest Council of Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) in Bali, Hindu people can conduct 'Melasti' which depend on their condition on Saturday (March 9) or Sunday (March 10)," said the Chairman of Bali PHDI Dr I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana here, Sunday.

He said that people who live in the seashore can conduct "Pratima" cleaning-up at beach, while the people who live in mountainous area can conduct "Melasti" in water springs and lakes.

The  customary chairman on each village will lead the ceremony of "Melasti" based on the condition and tradition on the hamlet.

The Denpasar residents have conducted "Melasti" procession on Saturday morning (March 10) at Padanggalak beach of Sanur.

While Ole indigenous villagers of Marga Dauh Puri Village at Tabanan District have conducted "Melasti" at Beratan Lake, Bedugul on Baturiti Sub-district which is located 15 kilometer to the north of Pekraman village on Sunday morning.

"At least 287 families of Ole indogenous village has conducted 'Melasti' on Sunday together with several villages around the area," said Chairman of Indigenous Village I Wayan Dana.

After conducting the "Melasti" procession, Balinese Hindus will conduct "Tawur Kesanga" on Monday (March 11).

The people at Bali Province area will conduct Tawur Kesanga at Pura Besakih, while other Bali Hindus will do the worship at their places such as district, sub-district, village and their family level. (IGT)