Deputy Tourism Minister: Shivaratri Serves as Space to Strengthen Nusantara Hindu Identity
The Shivaratri celebration, part of the Prambanan Shiva Festival series, also represents the strength of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the world.
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) — Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said the Mahashivaratri celebration held by the Hindu community at the Prambanan Temple complex serves as a space for worship, a platform for education, tolerance, harmony, and the strengthening of Nusantara Hindu identity.
“The Shivaratri celebration, which is part of the Prambanan Shiva Festival series, also represents the strength of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the world—one that relies not only on natural beauty but also on a living cultural heritage that is maintained, understood, and respected,” Ni Luh Puspa said at the opening of Shivaratri at the Vishnu Field of Prambanan Temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Sunday afternoon.
According to her, the Shivaratri event, which serves as the closing agenda of the 2026 Prambanan Shiva Festival series, represents a harmonization between cultural heritage preservation and the strengthening of national narratives through spirituality. “This also proves that tourism can go hand in hand with religious rituals and traditions,” she said.
Chairman of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI) Wisnu Bawa Tanaya emphasized the importance of Mahashivaratri’s meaning for Hindus. The presence of 33 Sulinggih (high priests) in the holy water sacralization procession adds a symbol of Nusantara energy unification.
“This Mahashivaratri procession is a tangible manifestation of collective soul purification. The holy water from nine temples and the prayers of holy figures become a momentum to bring peace and clarity of mind for all devotees. We invite all devotees to reflect and purify themselves at this great temple, strengthening brotherhood without barriers,” he said.
President Director of InJourney Destination Management (Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Temple Parks) Febrina Intan said Prambanan Temple serves as the meaningful epicenter of Nusantara Hinduism. According to her, Prambanan Temple as the host of this inaugural Mahashivaratri also marks a moment of “coming home” for Hindus and is expected to support the enhancement of Shivagrha’s sacredness in accordance with the purpose of its construction.
“However, what is more important is how this sacredness is wrapped in the spirit of inclusivity. We open the widest possible access for the entire public to admire this grandeur, creating a space where ancient and modern traditions meet in mutual appreciation,” she said.
She said her organization wants to demonstrate that the magnificence of Prambanan Temple is a bridge connecting the past with a more harmonious future that is open to everyone.
The 2026 Prambanan Shiva Festival series, which has spanned one month, concluded with the Mahashivaratri celebration at Vishnu Field, Prambanan Temple Park, featuring the lighting of 1,008 dipa (oil lamps) and the resounding of damaru (musical instruments) symbolizing the unity of devotees in prayer, creating an atmosphere conducive to deep meditation for peace and prosperity in the world (Jagadhita).
Mahashivaratri is one of the most important holy days for Hindus worldwide. The night is commemorated as a moment of worship to Lord Shiva, the Destroyer, and the source of supreme consciousness in Hindu teachings.