Mahashivaratri at Prambanan: Fusion of Faith, Culture, and Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The sacred celebration of Mahashivaratri at Prambanan Temple has become more than a religious observance. It is now a space for worship, education, tolerance, harmony, and the strengthening of Hindu identity in Indonesia.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa emphasized that the festival, held on Sunday evening, February 15, 2026, at the Wisnu Courtyard of Prambanan Temple, represents Indonesia’s tourism strength on the global stage.

“The Shivaratri celebration, as part of the Prambanan Shiva Festival, shows that our tourism is not only about natural beauty but also about living cultural heritage - preserved, understood, and respected,” the deputy minister said, as quoted by Antara.

She noted that the closing event of the month-long Prambanan Shiva Festival 2026 harmonizes cultural preservation with national identity through spirituality. “This proves that tourism can coexist with rituals and religious traditions,” she added.

Wisnu Bawa Tanaya, Chairman of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), Wisnu Bawa Tanaya, highlighted the profound meaning of Mahashivaratri for Hindus. The presence of 33 sulinggih (Hindu priests) in the sacred water ritual symbolized the unification of Nusantara’s spiritual energy.

“Mahashivaratri is a collective purification of the soul. Holy water from nine temples and prayers from spiritual leaders bring peace and clarity of mind. We invite all devotees to reflect and purify themselves here at this great temple, strengthening brotherhood without boundaries,” he said.

President Director of InJourney Destination Management, Febrina Intan, described Prambanan as the epicenter of Hindu heritage in Indonesia. Hosting the first Mahashivaratri at the temple, she said, was like “coming home” for Hindus, while also reinforcing the sanctity of Shivagrha in line with its original purpose.

“What matters most is that this sacredness is wrapped in inclusivity. We open access widely for everyone to admire this grandeur, creating a space where ancient traditions meet modern appreciation,” she explained.

She added that Prambanan’s magnificence serves as a bridge connecting the past with a more harmonious and open future.

The festival concluded with the lighting of 1,008 dipa (oil lamps) and the resonant sound of the damaru (ritual drum), symbolizing unity in prayer and fostering an atmosphere of deep meditation for peace and universal well-being (Jagadhita).

Mahashivaratri, one of Hinduism’s most important holy days, is observed worldwide as a night of devotion to Lord Shiva - the destroyer and source of supreme consciousness. ***