Bali is one of the most spiritual places I’ve ever been. About 90% of the population is Hindu and I was lucky enough to soothe my soul in a traditional Melukat (soul purification).
The ceremony was conducted in the morning by a Balinese priest who set up colorful offerings and fragrant incense on the beach at the Ritz-Carlton resort in Nusa Dua. My brother (Cory), childhood best friend (Erika) and I sat next to one of the employees who helped translate and walk us through the ritual.
I learned that the ceremony is typically held when a Balinese native is about to enter a new phase of their life or recovering from sickness. Holy water is used as an agent to cleanse spiritual impurities, fend off evil and help protect you from negative influences.
The ritual begins with a cleansing of your the hands, feet, face and mouth and is followed by prayer. At the end, the priest (pemangku) ties a red, white and black string around your wrist called a benang tridatu. The string symbolizes one’s quest for balance, harmony and understanding and is worn until it falls off.
Bring on the positive energy!
