Dozens of Hindus solemnly undergo Melasti Ceremony procession at Segara Temple, Cilincing, North Jakarta.

I hope there is no pandemic next year. Thus we can pray normally again

In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, Melasti Ceremony was performed simply by implementing strict health protocols such as measuring body temperature, wearing masks, washing hands with soap and running water, maintaining safe distance, and avoiding crowds.  

Nyepi Saka New Year 1943 Organizing Committee Chairperson for Jakarta Province, Ida Bagus Djayapati said, Melasti Ceremony was only attended by Hindus representatives from five regions in Jakarta Province. While the other worshipers are urged to pray from their homes to avoid crowds in preventing COVID-19 spread.

"Participants are Hindus representatives from five Banjars, namely Central Jakarta, North Jakarta, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, and East Jakarta. There are Pinandita/religious leaders, Hindu leaders, and representatives from Parisada (Hindus Organization Council) from five regions in Jakarta," he said, Thursday (3/11).

He explained that Melasti Ceremony is a part in celebrating Silent Day (Nyepi) of Saka New Year 1943 which falls on the coming Sunday, March 14, 2021. Melasti Ceremony which held at Segara Temple, Cilincing, North Jakarta was led by Sulinggih Ida Pedanda Gede Panji Sogata from Griya Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta.

"The symbolic meaning of Melasti Ceremony is a ritual of cleansing oneself and its surrounding and at the same time a purification ceremony using various sacred objects and worship symbols called prelingga," he informed.

After praying together by chanting prayers and mantras, it continued with procession to acquire sacred water or tirta amerta and bija for safety. The use of water as means of purification in Melasti Ceremony has a high philosophical value for Hindus.

"We believe that water, both from the sea and springs in the mountains, is the source of life which also called Tirta Amerta," he added.

On the same occassion, North Jakarta Banjar Region of Persatuan Wanita Suka Duka Hindu Dharma (PWSHD) Head, Niluh Artini conveyed, this year's Melasti Ceremony is different compared to previous years.

However, she continued, Melasti Ceremony in the midst of pandemic, didn't reduce the solemnity of Hindus in praying.

"I hope there is no pandemic next year. Thus we can pray normally again and more Hindus in Jakarta and its surrounding areas who can attend Melasti Ceremony next year," she conveyed.