The Denpasar Municipal Government administration performed the Bhakti Penganyar procession as part of the Piodalan Satunggil Warsa (annual temple anniversary) celebrations at Mandhara Giri Semeru Agung Temple, Lumajang Regency, on Sunday (5/7). The ceremony, which coincided with the Balinese calendar day of Rahina Redite Pon Wuku Medangsia, was attended directly by the Mayor of Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, along with Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa and the heads of the Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD).
The event was held in a solemn atmosphere, beginning with performances of sacred dances such as the Rejang Renteng Dance, Rejang Taksu Bhuwana Dance, Baris Gede Dance, and Topeng Wali performance. Interestingly, Mayor Jaya Negara participated in the procession by performing the Topeng Keras (traditional mask) dance. The entire sequence of the ceremony concluded with a joint prayer led by Ida Pedanda Gede Dwija Padang Rata from Griya Kutri, Gianyar.
On this occasion, Mayor Jaya Negara emphasized that this piodalan moment should serve as a foundation to increase sradha bhakti (faith and devotion) to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty). He urged the public to continue fostering harmony through the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which encompasses the balanced relationship between humans and God (parahyangan), between fellow humans (pawongan), and with the environment (palemahan).
On the other hand, the Event Chairman (Manggala Karya), Cokorda Gede Indrayana, explained that the Mandhara Giri Semeru Agung Temple serves as a strong symbol of acculturation between Hindus in Java and Bali. Therefore, the Bhakti Penganyar agenda routinely involves collaboration with various local governments, including the Sidoarjo Regency Government and the Surabaya City Government.
The 2026 piodalan at the temple is scheduled to run for 11 days, from June 29 to July 10. During this period, Hindus from various regions, particularly Bali, were seen enthusiastically arriving in shifts 24 hours a day to perform their prayers.
