Thousands of Hindus Attend the Great Tawur Kesanga Procession at Prambanan Temple

Thousands of Hindus from various regions in Indonesia solemnly participated in the Tawur Agung Kesanga procession at the Prambanan Temple Tourism Park complex, Yogyakarta, Friday (28/3/2025). The ceremony to welcome the commemoration of the Holy Day of Nyepi in the year Saka 1947 was attended directly by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development/Deputy Head of BKKBN, Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion Prof. Dr. Drs I Nengah Duija, Deputy Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta KGPAA Paku Alam X and a number of other regional officials.

At the peak of the ceremony, Hindus from all over the country gathered at Prambanan Temple to purify the universe ahead of the sacred moment of Nyepi Day. This year, Tawur Agung Kesanga raised the theme 'Manavaseva Madavaseva Realizing Indonesia Emas 2045' which means Serving humans is the same as serving God.

The Chairman of the National Committee for the Celebration of the Holy Day of Nyepi for the Saka Year 1947/2025M, Gede Narayana on Friday (28/03/2025) at the Prambanan Temple complex, expressed his gratitude for the smooth running of the entire series of Nyepi celebrations this year.

He emphasized that the Nyepi celebration is not just an annual ritual for Hindus. But also a momentum for self-reflection, purification of nature, and increasing spiritual and social awareness in the midst of community life.

In his speech, Gede Narayana said that this celebration contains deep spiritual meaning.

"This year's Nyepi celebration carries the theme 'Manawasewa Madhawasewa: Realizing Golden Indonesia 2045', which emphasizes that service to others is truly service to God Almighty," he said on Friday (28/3/2025).

In front of the Vice President, Gede Narayana also explained the various series of activities in the 2025 Nyepi celebration, which are not only religious rituals but also contain social and environmental elements.

The General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI), Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, explained that the Nyepi celebration begins with the Melasti Ceremony which aims to purify oneself physically and spiritually through the implementation of Tri Kaya Parisudha to maintain the purity of thoughts, speech, and actions.

"Tawur Agung Kesanga is a Bhuta Yadnya ritual that aims to balance the elements of Panca Mahabhuta, namely Pertiwi (earth), Apah (water), Bayu (air), Teja (fire), and Akasa (space). This ceremony symbolizes the purification of the universe before entering the Holy Day of Nyepi," said Wisnu.

In his speech, he emphasized that Nyepi is not just a tradition, but a means of introspection and self-control through the Catur Brata Penyepian. The four principles include Amati Karya (not working), Amati Geni (not lighting fires or lighting), Amati Lelungan (not traveling), and Amati Lelanguan (not enjoying entertainment). The goal is to achieve spiritual balance and harmony with the universe.

"Every Holy Day has a deep meaning, namely as a means of getting closer to God and improving the quality of self-purification. By understanding the philosophical values ​​in Hindu teachings, people can further strengthen Sradha Bhakti and piety to God Almighty," he concluded.