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We recommend you to view our Bali Temple page for more information on specific event location as well as the description of the religious festivals in Bali
The calendar of events in Bali begins with the auspicious "Saraswati Holiday" commemorating Sanghyang Aji Saraswati the goddess of knowledge, sciences and arts. On "Banyu Pinaruh" day, the Balinese transcend the beaches, rivers and springs to purify themselves and pray for wisdom. Equally mesmerizing are the mystical temple ceremonies and the Full Moon ceremony that leaves the visitors enthralled.
The first day of February ushers in a special event in Tenganan Pegringsingan in Bali. Visitors can witness the rituals at the Pura Puseh temple, followed with the procession of effigies to Bale Agung. The festivities last for four days and on the last day there is a procession of effigies back to Pura Puseh accompanied by the traditional Rejang Dance.
Apart from the temple festivals, a major draw is the "Galungan Holiday" which celebrates the victory of "Dharma" (virtue) upon "Adharma" (evil). The entire island of Bali is soaked in the festive spirit. The "penjor", or the artistically, decorated, bamboo pole, symbolizing prosperity, is stuck at every house entrance and adorns both sides of village roads. "Mekiis or Melasti" is celebrated one day prior to "Nyepi" or the Icaka New Year. The Neypi day is marked with silence and is meant for self-introspection. It is a day when no fires are lit and no activities take place. Visitors are advised to relax in their villa rentals and soak in the silence of the island.
In April, visitors to Bali can witness the Ngerebong ceremony. A group of people in a state of trance stab themselves with Kris, the sacred daggers. Then there is the Ngusaba ceremony, a special ritual held every certain period of time, for example after harvesting, which is worth watching.
Tenganan Pegringsingan hosts the biggest cultural event in Bali, Usaba Kelima /Sambah. Rituals are held at every temple on the village. The festivities, which begin on May 19th last until June 20th June and are characterized by many religious ceremonies, sacred dances, music and sacrificial ceremonies.
The Usaba Kelima /Sambah festivities continue in June. Another major attraction is the "The Bali Arts Festival". This annual cultural event has on display the art and cultural treasures of all regencies in Bali. The procession starts from "Bajra Sandhi Monument", Renon and heads to the art centre downtown of Denpasar. Here, the visitors can browse through the exhibitions of handicrafts, garments, and jewels and enjoy live performances of traditional dances.
A special event which is celebrated through out Bali is the "Tumpek Pengatag". The day is devoted to Ida Sanghyang widhi Wasa / almighty God of all food-plant and vegetarian. People seek blessing for their gardens, rice fields and plantations and for good crops. If you are in Bali in July you can watch the Negara bull races. The bulls are decked up with accessories, hitched in pairs to makeshift chariots, and steered by jockeys who showcase their riding skills.
In August, the people of Bali once again pay their tributes to the Goddess Saraswati, and seek her blessings. Special prayer ceremonies mark the day. The Usaba Kepitu ceremony is also held in Tenganan Pegringsingan. A “Muhu-muhu” ceremony is held by the women, children and bachelors to exorcise the evil spirits from the island of Bali. Indonesia's Independence Day falls on
The month of September is dedicated to temple ceremonies. Almost all villages in Bali have at least three temples. It is widely believed that on holy days, the deities descend to the temples and this is the time for frenetic activities. The full moon period at the end of September and beginning of October are especially important and lots of activity takes place in temples all over the island. The Kuta Karnival takes place in late September and early October. This week long festival includes non-stop dancing, music and festivities, kite-flying contests and beach sport tournaments.
October once again witnesses the 10 day festival celebrations of Galungan. The Balinese celebrate the victory of good over evil and along with the mythical lion dog creatures go dancing from temple to temple. The festivities culminate with Kuningam, when the Balinese thank and say goodbye to the gods as they ascend back to the heavens. October also hosts the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. A host of renowned writers and poets gather for stimulating discussion and poetry readings.
November is the month when the Balinese celebrate Tumpek Kandang. People across the island offer thanks to the gods and seek their blessings for their livestock. Temple celebrations are also held in all the villages.
The Balinese events calendar culminates with the celebrations of Idul Adha, Muharram and Christmas. People also celebrate Tumpek Wayang, a festival dedicated to Sang Hyang Iswara, Lord of puppeteers. People congregate around temples and family shrines in Bali and make offerings to the gods.