Thousands Of Hindus Gather For The Melasti Ceremony

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA - MARCH 28: Hindus devotees pray during the Melasti ritual ceremony at Parangkusumo beach on March 28, 2014 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.The Melasti ritual is held annually ahead of the Nyepi Day of Silence, a ceremony intended to cleanse and purify the souls of the Balinese Hindu participants. Nyepi is a Hindu celebration observed every new year according to the Balinese calendar. The national holiday is one of self-reflection and meditation and activities such as working, watching television or travelling are restricted between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)