Tabéq: Journal of Local Wisdom, Belief, and Peace
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Socio-Religious Traditions in the Life of Multicultural Indonesian Society

The Tradition of Fire War as Self-Purification in the Nyepi Ritual Among the Hindu Community in Mataram City

Zalfa Zila (Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study aims to determine the meaning of the Fire War tradition as a form of self-purification in the Nyepi ritual among the Hindu community in Mataram City. The Fire War tradition, held since 1819, is a symbolic ritual to ward off evil, remove negative energy, and purify oneself before Nyepi Day. The focus of this study includes: (1) how the Fire War tradition is carried out as a form of self-purification in the Nyepi ritual among the Hindu community in Mataram City, and (2) the meaning of the Fire War tradition as a form of self-purification in the Nyepi ritual among the Hindu community in Mataram City. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with Victor Turner’s liminality theory as the basis for analysis, which includes three stages: separation, liminality, and reintegration. The results show that the Fire War tradition has a deep spiritual meaning, serving to purify oneself of bad traits and negative energy while also strengthening social solidarity among Hindus. In this tradition, fire symbolises spiritual cleansing and renewal, allowing Hindus to welcome Nyepi with a clean, calm soul. In addition to its religious value, this tradition also plays an important role in strengthening togetherness, reinforcing Hindu cultural identity, and preserving local wisdom amid the tide of modernisation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tabeq

Publisher

Subject

Description

Tabéq: Journal of Local Wisdom, Belief, and Peace is a scientific journal published by the Tabéq Institute: Center for Culture and Cross-Religious Studies, in collaboration with the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Religious Studies at Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram. It focuses on the study of ...