Festivities

Melasti Ceremony – in relation with Nyepi Day, in Bali – (15-17 March)

The Melasti Ceremony, a purification ritual held three to four days before Nyepi, involves vibrant processions to the coast or river. Participants in traditional Balinese attire carry sacred objects and offerings, seeking cleansing and blessings from the water, believed to possess purifying powers. The ceremony is a beautiful showcase of Balinese art and culture, featuring intricate decorations, colourful offerings and traditional music and dance.

Purification processions & Ogoh Ogoh Parades, in Bali  –  (18 March) 

The day before Nyepi, Bali comes alive with Ogoh-Ogoh parades and purification rituals. Communities carry large, colourful effigies representing negative spirits through the streets, accompanied by traditional music (kentongan) and offerings. These ceremonial processions cleanse the island of negative energy and prepare the community for the sacredness of silence on Nyepi.   

Silence Day “Nyepi”, in Bali – (19 March)

Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence marking the Hindu New Year. The Island observes 24-hours of quiet and self-reflection, with all businesses, schools, shops, restaurant, tourist attractions and flights paused. Tourists are expected to stay inside their accommodation and be observed quietly.

Before Nyepi, look out for a very special melasti ceremony!

Omed-omedan Kissing Festival, Sesetan Village Denpasar – (20 March)

The Balinese Kissing Festival, locally known as Omed-omedan, is a unique tradition of hugging and kissing among young people. Held annually after Nyepi to celebrate the Saka New Year, this ritual’s name, Omed-omedan, derives from the Balinese word for “to pull.” While its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, this long-standing tradition has been passed down through generations in Sesetan Village, South Denpasar, Bali.  A local legend explains the ritual’s beginnings, linking it to a small kingdom that once existed in the area. Eligibility for Omed-omedan is restricted to unmarried individuals between the ages of 17 and 30.Stay tuned for more detailed insights and upcoming product enhancement soon.

Gerebeg Sawal, Yogyakarta Palace – (20 March)

Cultural religious procession organised by the Yogyakarta Sultanate  as a form of gratitude after the fasting month. The highlight is the Gunungan, a large mountain-shaped offering made of: rice cakes, vegetables, chilies, eggs and traditional snacks. The Gunungan symbolizes prosperity, blessings and the Sultan’s care for his people.

Eid al-Fitr – (20 – 21 March)

Eid al-Fitr, also known as Lebaran or Hari Raya Idul Fitri, is a deeply significant celebration for Muslims worldwide, and particularly so in Indonesia, where it’s a two-day national holiday. This joyous occasion, marking the end of Ramadan, emphasises food, family and community.  A key tradition is “Mudik” or “Pulang Kampung,” the return to one’s hometown to reunite with family, especially parents and extended relatives, strengthening bonds across generations.