Ahead of Nyepi, Hindus Hold the Tawur Agung Kesanga Procession in Prambanan

Hundreds of Hindus from Central Java and DI Yogyakarta held the Tawur Agung ritual to welcome the Nyepi Day celebration of the Saka New Year 1944 in the Prambanan Temple Tourism Park area, Wednesday (2/3/2022). The ceremony, which was attended by 800 participants, was carried out in a limited manner and implemented strict health protocols, in accordance with the PPKM level three regulations in effect in Central Java Regency.

The Tawur Kesanga ceremony, which coincides with the dark moon (tilem) in the sasih Kesanga (the ninth month in the Balinese calendar system), is a ritual and prayer one day before Nyepi. Although the ceremony is simple, it does not reduce the solemnity of the congregation present. The series of ceremonies begins with the procession of mendhak tirta and bethara by circling the courtyard of Prambanan Temple and is closed with a joint prayer procession.

The chairman of the Tawur Agung committee, Kesanga Putra Widiastawa, said that the celebration, which took the theme of Actualization of Tat Twam Asi Values ​​in Religious Moderation Towards a Resilient Indonesia, was a series of hopes for the nation to become a safe and peaceful country, and to increase development towards a resilient Indonesia.

"This theme reminds all Hindus that they as social beings cannot work and live alone. They definitely need other people, especially now that the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing," he said.

The chairman of the Tawur Agung Kesanga committee, Colonel Inf. Putra Widiastawa said that the Nyepi celebration in 1944 Saka which took the theme of Actualization of Tat Twam Asi Values ​​in Religious Moderation Towards a Resilient Indonesia was a hope for the nation to be safe and peaceful, and able to increase development towards a resilient Indonesia.

"This theme reminds all Hindus that they as social beings cannot work and live alone. They definitely need other people, especially now that the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing," he explained.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Zainut Tauhid Saadi who was present in person said that Hindus can contribute to creating harmony and building a sense of brotherhood. All people are expected to be able to unite their differences.

"All Hindus can unite the existing differences and make it a means to strengthen unity among fellow citizens," added Zainut Tauhid.

Meanwhile, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero) as the manager of Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Prambanan fully supports the implementation of this activity. This is an implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Utilization of Prambanan Temple between the Ministry of Religion and various related stakeholders.

"This is in line with our efforts to continue collaborating to develop existing destinations so that this cultural heritage can inspire the next generation," explained VP Marketing and Sales of PT TWC Pujo Suwarno who attended the event.

Tawur Agung Kesanga is one of the annual events held in the TWC Prambanan area. In this ritual before the Nyepi celebration, PT TWC Unit Prambanan has prepared excellent service to support the event well.

"For the congregation who attend, a different path has been provided than for ordinary tourists. This treatment is considering the needs of the congregation which are different from ordinary tourists, such as bringing worship equipment such as offerings and others," explained GM TWC Unit Prambanan Jamaludin Mawardi.