More than ten thousands Balinese Hindu devotees joined the procession of Melasti ritual (following the deity in the purpose to drift away impurities, miseries and poor mundane elements and take tirtha amertha, or holy water of life in the sea) which was held in accordance with the grand Panca Walikrama Ceremony on Saturday (3/21/09). The processions of 24 principal deities and deities of various clan temples in Besakih temple complex covered the distance of 40 km from Besakih temple in Karangasem regency to Watu Klotok beach in Klungkung regency with 8-hour walk.

The preparation for this grand procession started around 9 AM with installation of deities’ relic in their respective holy carriers. The procession started around 10.30 AM and arrived at Watu Klotok beach around 6.30 PM.

Along the way from Besakih temple to Watu Klotok beach, thousands of devotees pay their homage to the deities by presenting various offerings and supplying refreshment for the members of the procession. After paying homage, most of the devotees join the procession, the initial member of the procession which not more than two thousands people grew larger and reached more than ten thousands people when arrived at Watu Klotok beach.

The devotees who stood on the side street were asked to kneel or sit by the priests who escorted the deities since the deities would refuse to move if the devotees did not kneel or sit. The bearers of the deities were entranced and ordered everybody to kneel or sit when there were some devotees who stubborn enough to stand after requested properly to sit by the priest. The entranced bearers also forbade the photographers to take the picture of the deities and of course no photographers in their right mind, especially Balinese photographers dare to refuse this kind of order for fear of inciting the wrath of the deities which usually brings calamity or disaster to the offender.

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