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Balinese Hindus people carry sacred mask, sacred effigies and ritual paraphernalia during Melasti Ritual prior to Nyepi Day on March 19, 2023 at Siyut Beach, in Gianyar Bali, Indonesia. After three years of performing purification ceremony ahead of Nyepi Day on a small scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic Balinese Hindus dressed in predominantly white attire carried sacred effigies of gods and goddesses and ritual paraphernalia from their village temples to the beach to perform a purification ceremony called the Melasti ritual. Balinese Hindus believe the Melasti ritual is a must perform ahead of Nyepi Day, The Day of Silence, to cleanse the soul and nature, recharge the supernatural power of the temples sacred objects and cleanse the temple paraphernalia. The Nyepi Day is a national holiday in Indonesia and is a day for self-reflection and abstaining from distractions such as entertainment. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)
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