20/03/2023
Melasti is a purification ceremony that is dedicated to the Supreme God, Hyang Widi Wasa. It involves the acquisition of sacred water from the sea and using it to cleanse sacred objects belonging to various temples. The ceremony symbolizes the cleansing of individuals "Bhuwana Alit" and the universe "Bhuwana Agung", and is often conducted near water sources such as the beach or lakes. This symbolizes the purification of the external world, or Bhuwana Agung. At the same time, individuals participate in the ceremony to purify themselves of negative influences, thoughts, and behaviors, representing the purification of the inner world or Bhuwana Alit. By purifying both Bhuwana Alit and Bhuwana Agung, the Melasti ceremony aims to restore balance and harmony within the individual and the universe as a whole. Melasti typically takes place 3 days before Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, and is an important event in the lead up to the new year according to the Balinese Saka calendar. The name "Melasti" is derived from the word "mala" which means "impurities" and "asti" which means "gone". Therefore, the term "Melasti" means "to eliminate impurities" or "to cleanse oneself".
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