Melukat, the spiritual cleansing ritual, is a very important ritual for the Hindus in Bali. It is conducted on an auspicious day, such as Kajeng Kliwon (a day in the Balinese calendar which is believed to have magical power), Purnama (full moon) and Tilem (new moon).

The ritual is commenced by washing one’s body and hair at one of the holy water springs in Bali, such as Tirta Empul Temple, followed by praying at the temple of the spring.

Melukat requires a particular offering called pejati, which means ‘determined heart’. The next step is visiting a pemangku (priest) or pedanda (high priest) to seek their blessing.

On special occasions, mebayuh ritual, which aims to neutralize the negative aspects in human beings, is conducted at the same time.

In Bali, melukat is normally conducted collectively on Banyupinaruh day, the day after Saraswati (a day specially dedicated to worship Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology).