Thousands of Hindus coming from Bali Island to the remote corners of East Java gathered at Pura Mandara Giri Semeru Agung, Senduro Village, Lumajang Regency, to attend the Piodalan ceremony series on Monday (6/29/26). This sacred event is an important moment that not only reflects gratitude to the universe, but also reinforces the value of religious moderation in the region.
The series of ceremonies, which began on May 29 and will end on July 10, 2026, includes a number of important processions, ranging from Matur Piuning, the Melasti ceremony, to the ritual climax. In the Tawur Panca Wali Krama ritual, devotees offered joint prayers accompanied by traditional dance performances, which were also attended by several local officials.
Daily Administrator of Pura Mandara Giri Semeru Agung, Wira Dharma, explained that Piodalan is an anniversary celebration of the temple that has been routinely held since 1992. This ritual is carried out in three tiers based on time intervals—annual, five-yearly, and ten-yearly—where the difference in levels is determined by the number of sacrificial animals used in the ceremonial proceedings.
More than just a religious ritual, Wira emphasized that Piodalan serves as a real reflection of interfaith harmony in Lumajang. The temple has proven capable of coexisting harmoniously amid the diversity of the surrounding community, creating a strong atmosphere of tolerance.
On the other hand, this grand event brings a positive impact to the local economic sector. The arrival of thousands of devotees to the foot of Mount Semeru serves as a catalyst for local residents to spur business activities, ranging from the culinary sector, accommodation, to souvenir sales, directly helping to elevate the economic well-being of the local community.
