“Tawur Agung Kesanga” Ceremony at Prambanan Temple, the Procession Ahead of Nyepi Day of Silence

The day before the celebration of Nyepi, thousands of people in Balinese clothing filled the courtyard of Prambanan temple since morning to attend Tawur Agung Kesanga celebration. The series of ceremonies consisting of mendak tirta, Pradaksina’s behavior, and prayer together to purify the earth before the Nyepi day of silence.

Something different from the Prambanan Temple complex that morning. Temple courts are usually still quiet in the early morning, now packed with thousands of people. All of them almost wear the same costumes, the men wear cloth and udeng, while the women are full of traditional dress. Not only had the people that became the differentiator, penjor and colorful tents made Prambanan more beautiful and festive atmosphere, this is because the most beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia is the center of Tawur Agung Kesanga celebration in Yogyakarta & Central Java.

Tawur Agung Kesanga procession is a ceremony held by Hindus a day ahead of Nyepi celebration. The ceremony is based on the concept of Tri Hita Karana’s teachings, that is to align the relationship with the three elements, man with God, man with man, and man with the universe. Tawur Agung Kesanga itself aims to purify the earth before Nyepi, it’s when the Hindu people in Java and Bali have the religious ritual a day of silence.

Source: https://www.maioloo.com/seni-budaya/tawur-agung-kesanga-prambanan/