Hinduism followers from Yogyakarta and its near surroundings followed Melasti ritual ceremony at Parangkusumo beach in Parangtritis tourism object silently. At that daylight, the Parangkusumo beach was visited by hundreds Hinduism followers who wore traditional batik in the style of Bali and Java and brought various offerings. The music sound with the style of Bali made the situation more live. Not only Hinduism followers, the visitors at Parangtritis tourism object area were also attracted and followed it.


Based on information of AKBP Drs. IPG Mahendra Jaya Kusuma MM, the General Chief of Nyepi Holiday in Saka Year 1927 of Yogyakarta Special Province, the Melasti ceremony at Parangkusumo beach was a series of Nyepi Day, which was going on March 11, 2005. "On the March 23rd ago, Melasti ceremony had been performed at Ngobaran Beach in Gunung Kidul Regency, the next series of ceremony will be Tawur Kesanga, which will be held at March 10th at Prambanan temple ", the police member, who works at Regional Police of Yogyakarta Special Region said.


The meaning of Melasti ceremony is a process of nature and human cleansing, which is done by discarding all dirties with life water. Thus, the procession is done at water resources. It is done as late as before evening. This ceremony has also begged the Almighty God giving power to the Hinduism follower in performing a series of Nyepi Holiday.

The procession was started with Jempana convoy and offerings, which were put to the edge beach, which the people walked up to the water. The offerings were then put on to the prepared table. In front of Hinduism followers, Ida Begawan, which was accompanied by "wasi" and "sutri", led the praying by reading words, while the followers followed it silently.

After it finished, it was continued with Nunas Tirta Ring rite. The Hinduism figure walked to the edge beach to take sea water, which was used as one of ceremony media. The figure then put the Water Sea into a jar, which had been filled with water from many resources, or in Hinduism term called Tirta Amarta, those were from Sendang Pitu at Merapi Mount, Ngobaran Beach in Gunung Kidul and Prambanan. This rite was a symbol of consecration for Hinduism followers so that they were given spiritual and physical power in doing meditation on the following Nyepi Holiday.

The procession was then continued with praying and adoring to the Oneness God. The series of this ritual procession is Natab Banten Biyekaon, Durmanggala and Prayastita. Continued with praying rite consecutively, those are Puja Trisandya, Kramaning Sembah, Silence Meditation while reading Angamet Sarining Bhuwana praying, continued with Nunas Tirta Amarta, this was a religion figure gave holy water to the followers. A series of praying and rite was ended with Parama Santi rite.

Before the ritual ceremony ended, various offerings were discard into the sea. All Hinduism followers might wash their body with the Water Sea as the symbol of discarding all dirties.

Melasti ceremony is a religion activity and full of the great cultural values. With its series of ceremony and various accompaniments, this ceremony has become one of tourism magnetism at Bantul Regency, especially Parangkusumo beach. The Department of Tourism of Bantul Regency has made Melasti as one of annual cultural activity agendas.