Sacred Melasti ritual marks preparations for Nyepi on Java Coast

Aerial view shows Hindu devotees performing the Melasti ceremony at Watu Pecak Beach, Lumajang, East Java, Sunday (March 15, 2026). Thousands of Hindus from across East Java participate in the ritual to cleanse themselves of negative influences as part of the Nyepi celebration for the Saka New Year 1948. ANTARA FOTO/Irfan Sumanjaya/foc/M052

Hindu devotees carry offerings during the Melasti ceremony at Tanjung Pakis Beach, Karawang, West Java, Sunday (March 15, 2026). Hundreds participate in the ritual to cleanse themselves of past misdeeds and purify their souls as part of the Nyepi celebration for the Saka New Year 1948. ANTARA FOTO/Darryl Ramadhan/foc/M052

A Hindu devotee releases a duck into the sea during the Melasti prayer ceremony at Marina Beach, Semarang, Central Java, Sunday (March 15, 2026). The ritual, held by devotees from several local temples, aims to cleanse themselves of past misdeeds and seek strength from Sang Hyang Widhi ahead of the Nyepi celebration. ANTARA FOTO/Makna Zaezar/foc/M052

Hindu devotees perform the Rejang dance during the Melasti ceremony at Watu Pecak Beach, Lumajang, East Java, Sunday (March 15, 2026). Thousands from across East Java participate in the ritual to cleanse themselves of negative influences as part of the Nyepi celebration for the Saka New Year 1948. ANTARA FOTO/Irfan Sumanjaya/foc/M052

Hindu religious leaders accompany officers carrying holy water from the sea for the Melasti ceremony at Tanjung Pakis Beach, Karawang, West Java, Sunday (March 15, 2026). Hundreds participate in the ritual to cleanse themselves of past misdeeds and purify their souls as part of the Nyepi celebration for the Saka New Year 1948. ANTARA FOTO/Darryl Ramadhan/focc/M052