Welcome \'Nyepi\' During Pandemic

Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta

Hindus undergo body temperature measurements after following the Melasti Ceremony at Pentirtaan Jolotundo, Mojokerto Regency, East Java, on Sunday (22/3/2020)

This year\'s celebration of Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) takes place amid concerns. Nyepi is being celebrated as the world, including Indonesia, suffers the COVID-19 pandemic.

This atypical condition could be seen during the Melasti ritual in Petirtaan Jolotundo, Mojokerto regency, East Java, on Sunday, which was attended by representatives of only seven temples in Mojokerto. Attendees wore masks and had their health checked. The massive spread of the new coronavirus has prevented hundreds of people who attended the Melasti ritual last year from attending this year. Melasti is a purification ceremony that takes place at divine water sources. It is held two or three days before the celebration of Nyepi.