⁠A Sea of ​​Light for 1.008 Dipas Will Color the Mahashivaratri Night at the Closing of the Prambanan Shiva Festival Series

Mahashivaratri 2026, the first of its kind in Indonesia, will feature the lighting of 1008 dipa (lamps) and the playing of damaru (musical instruments), symbolizing the unity of the people in prayer, creating an atmosphere conducive to deep meditation for peace and prosperity in the world (Jagadhita).

Mahashivaratri, part of the 2026 Prambanan Shiva Festival, is also supported by Pertamina Patra Niaga and is open to all Indonesians. This celebration is a moment for deep reflection, spiritual purification, and strengthening togetherness through a series of sacred rituals that combine art, culture, and the spiritual values ​​of the Prambanan Temple.

I Nyoman Ariawan Atmaja, Head of the Prambanan Temple Utilization Team, explained that Mahashivaratri is one of the most important holy days for Hindus worldwide. The night is commemorated as a moment of worship to Lord Shiva, the Destroyer, and the source of the highest consciousness in Hindu teachings. In Indonesia, the Mahashivaratri celebration takes on even greater significance when held at the Prambanan Temple complex, the largest Hindu temple complex in the country.

"Mahashivaratri is a night of reflection for people to reflect on the deeds they have done. Sound damaru "The small Shiva drums accompanying the ritual symbolize the awakening of the faithful from their 'spiritual slumber' and the beginning of their journey on the path of wisdom. Mahashivaratri is a moment of transformation for each individual, allowing them to shed the burdens of the past and be reborn with a clearer and wiser consciousness," he explained.

Mahashivaratri 2026 will feature a cultural parade from Kedulan Temple to Prambanan Temple. A procession of priests carrying sacred smoke, banners, spears, sacred objects, and Shivalingas will take place. The procession will also carry holy water from 36 provinces and nine temples in the archipelago, which have been consecrated by 35 Sulinggih (priests) from across Indonesia. 

The Maha Gangga Tirta Gamana procession, where water is united as a symbol of self-purification and universal harmony, holds meaning regarding the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and spirituality. This symbolizes cleansing oneself of all impurities in thought, speech, and action.

Entering the core of the ritual, the congregation will take part in the Abhisekam prayer or temple purification ceremony which consists of the Mahashivaratri Abhisekam as the peak offering ritual and is continued with the Abhisekam 4 and Abhisekam 5 which is a prayer until dawn breaks. 

A magical atmosphere will be presented through the Dhipa Festival with 1008 dipas lit simultaneously accompanied by the sound of damaru which will shake the soul. Visual splendor will also be presented through the attractions video mapping which covers the temple with light technology, in the area concourse with decorations that add to the solemn atmosphere. 

"Through the flame of this dipa, humans are reminded to return to the balance of life. The three-sided philosophy of the dipa reflects the energy of the Trimurti: Lord Brahma as the source of the initial light, Lord Vishnu as the guardian of harmony and love to keep the light alive, and Lord Shiva who dissolves darkness to guide humans to the highest self-awareness," he continued.

Tourists can participate in the lighting of 1008 dipa on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 20.00 WIB with a ticket price of IDR 85.000,- which includes dipa facilities and a bracelet. NawadatuSpecial packages are also available for Rp159.000 for two people and Rp299.000 for four people, to encourage families and communities to attend the purification night celebration at Prambanan Temple.

Mahashivaratri is organized collaboratively by various parties, including the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the Indonesian Ministry of Religion through the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, and the Prambanan Temple Utilization Team, the Ministry of Culture, Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) and InJourney Destination Management.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa explained that the Mahashivaratri celebration at the Prambanan Shiva Festival is a space for worship, education, tolerance, harmony, and strengthening of the Hindu identity of the archipelago. 

"This celebration represents the strength of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the world, which relies not only on natural beauty but also on a rich cultural heritage that is alive, cared for, understood, and respected. We see this as a harmony between preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the national narrative through spirituality," he said.

PHDI Central Chairman Wisnu Bawa Tanaya emphasized the importance of Mahashivaratri for Hindus. The presence of 33 Sulinggih (religious leaders) in the sacred water ceremony further symbolizes the unification of the energies of the archipelago. 

"The Mahashivaratri procession is a concrete manifestation of collective spiritual cleansing. The holy water from the nine temples and the prayers of holy figures create a momentum to bring peace and clarity of mind to all devotees. We invite all devotees to reflect and purify themselves at this majestic temple, strengthening brotherhood without barriers," he explained.

InJourney Destination Management President Director Febrina Intan stated that Prambanan Temple is the meaningful epicenter of the Indonesian Hindu archipelago. Furthermore, as the host of the inaugural Mahashivaratri, Prambanan Temple also serves as a moment of "returning home" for the congregation and is expected to contribute to enhancing the sacredness of Shivagrha, in keeping with the essence of its construction.

"However, what's more important is how this sacredness is wrapped in a spirit of inclusivity. We are opening up access as widely as possible for the entire community to admire this majesty, providing a space where ancient and modern traditions meet. We want to demonstrate that the splendor of Prambanan is a bridge connecting the past to a more harmonious future, open to everyone," he concluded.