January 2026

Hari Raya Siwa Ratri

17 January 2026

Celebrated on the new moon of the 7th month of the Balinese Calendar, Hari Raya Siwa Ratri, or the Night of Siwa, is an auspicious time for Balinese people to contemplate and introspect. During this period, they pray for forgiveness of their sins and seek strength from the god Siwa (Lord Shiva). 

The day originates from the tale of Lubdaka, a lone hunter who got lost in the wilderness. Afraid of wild animals at night, he climbed a tree and awaited sunrise. Worried he might fall asleep and drop from the tree, he prayed to Siwa for support and stayed awake, plucking leaves and dropping them into the pond below. Lubdaka survived the night and returned home safely. When he eventually died, he was welcomed by the god and absolved of his sins for having meditated on Siwa that night. Today, the day is commemorated with rituals of fasting, staying awake throughout the night, and meditation.

February 2026

Tumpek Kandang

7 February 2026

Tumpek Kandang is dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the god of all cattle and livestock. On this day, domesticated animals receive special attention. Cows are washed in the river and decorated with cone-shaped spirals made of coconut leaves on their horns, while pigs are adorned with cloths wrapped around their bellies, usually white or yellow. 

Prayers are offered to the gods for the welfare of the animals, and at the end of the ceremony, holy water and rice are sprinkled on the heads. The scale of the rites depends on the number of animals a family owns – the more animals, the grander the ceremony. The most elaborate ceremonies are held in mountainous regions, while elsewhere, simpler rituals with fewer “bebanten” offerings suffice.

Chinese New Year

17 February 2026

Also known as Lunar New Year, this period marks the end of the winter season in the northern hemisphere. In 2026, it will welcome the Year of the Horse for the Chinese zodiac. Bali has a long history with China, notably through the ancient Balinese King Jayapangus and his Chinese queen, Kang Cing Wie. Over time, Chinese culture, including Buddhist teachings, became integrated into Balinese society, and Chinese descendants have lived on the island for centuries.

Today, ornate Chinese temples, known as ‘klenteng’, and shrines inside Balinese temples are filled with worshippers during the Lunar New Year. Red candles and incense burn brightly as prayers for prosperity are offered, alongside Bali’s traditional canang sari offerings, reflecting a unique cultural amalgamation. Notable sites include Vihara Dharmayana in Kuta, the Vihara Satya Dharma in Sanur, Klenteng Caow Eng Bio in Tanjung Benoa, and Ling Gwan Kiong in Singaraja, showcasing the island’s vibrant pluralism.

Of course, feasts and celebrations can be found around Bali too, with barong sai dragon dances, fireworks and ang pao envelopes galore.

It must be true what they say about luck and prosperity on Chinese New Year, because some of Bali’s leading resorts and hotels are offering amazing deals for those after a vacation (or staycation!), in honour of the Year of the Rooster.

The ‘Prosperity Package’ at Alaya Ubud

Escape to the sanctuary of Alaya in the heart of Ubud and use this special weekend to take some time for yourself. Their Prosperity Package is for 3 Days and 2 Nights for 2 people, including daily afternoon tea, daily set menu a la carte breakfast at Petani Restaurant, one time 3-course set menu lunch or dinner at Petani Restaurant or Manisan Restaurant and a one time, one hour Balinese Massage at DaLa Spa.

Bookings and more details can be found here.

Alaya Ubud
Jalan Hanoman, Ubud
T : +62 361 972200
W : www.alayaresorts.com

Call or email for this special package: uluwatu@anantara.com .

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
Jalan Pemutih Labuan Sait, Uluwatu
T : +62 361 895 7555
W : www.bali-uluwatu.anantara.com

Infinite Fortune at Sofitel Bali

Get comfortable by the beach at Sofitel Bali in Nusa Dua for the Chinese New Year, with their Infinite Fortune ‘Prosperous Stay’. Sofitel Bali has always highlighted their magnificent dining experiences and their Chinese New Year package couples sleeps and eats for an indulgent getaway. Stay for a minimum of 2 nights and receive a choice of special benefits: Complimentary 1 time Saturday Brunch (for 2 adults and 2 children under 8 years), and/or Complimentary Infinite Fortune Dinner, their special Chinese New Year feast at Kwee Zeen Restaurant.

Email here H9078-fb11@sofitel.com to book your special stay.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua
ITDC LOT N5, Nusa Dua, Bali
T : +62 361 849 2888
W : www.sofitel-bali-nusadua.com

March 2026

Tumpek Wayang

14 March 2026

According to the Balinese calendar, Tumpek Wayang falls on a Saturday once every six months (210 days), with the next one falling on 14 March. The Lord of Puppeteers, Sanghyang Iswara, is honoured when the Balinese Hindus celebrate Tumpek Wayang Day.

On this day, puppeteers (Dalang) throughout the island will present offerings to their shadow puppets (wayang kulit) to honour Dewa Iswara. The puppets are taken out of their cases to be blessed by their owners and placed in a position as if an actual performance is being held. The objective is to invoke smoothness and reliability during a real performance, and for the puppet to be able to captivate the audience.

A theatrical expression in Bali, wayang (or shadow puppet), is often performed as entertainment and is an integral part of several Balinese Hindu rituals. The wayang figures, which normally portray Hindu characters, are manipulated with rods by these puppeteers, known as Dalang. He tells the story to captivated crowds alongside the gamelan orchestra. They are not only forms of entertainment; however, often the stories of the Dalang were used to share and spread lessons of good morals to the people.

Ngurupuk Parade

18 March 2026

The night before Nyepi is one of the special events in Bali. It is the observance of Pengrupukan, or the Ngrupuk Parade, where the youth villages of the island parade their ‘ogoh-ogoh’ on the streets. Gigantic and impressive effigies of demons that tower up to 12 metres high, paraded with music, flair and festivity. This spectacle makes for one of the most lively ritual events in Bali.

Ogoh-Ogoh takes the form of demons, witches and ghosts — inspired by the bhuta kala(or lesser demonic forces), as well as the leyak black magic witches and other haunting local folklore. Thus, they are often frightening and grotesque, though sometimes humorous. 

The purpose of the ogoh-ogoh statues is to clear and purify the streets of evil and negative forces, said to accumulate at the main crossroads of villages. This was done in a folk-based ritual called Ngerupuk (a kind of exorcism), which previously only involved noise and torches. Around the ’80s, this evolved, and the tradition of making and displaying these ogoh-ogoh was introduced. 

The making of these effigies – ranging from 2m in height to a whopping 12m – is planned months in advance. They are often created by the youth of the Banjar village community, becoming a central communal activity.

Read more about the parade here: bugisbalitourandtravel.com/ngrupuk-monster-parade/

Nyepi – Day of Silence

19 – 20 March 2026

One of the most important dates on the Balinese calendar is Nyepi, the day of silence, one of the most fascinating events in Bali. Balinese Hindu ceremonies follow two calendars, the pawukon calendar (210 days) and the saka calendar (354-355 days). Nyepi marks the first day of the new Saka calendar year.

This is a truly special time to be in Bali because on Nyepi, the entire island observes a full 24 hours of total stillness. The four main rules of Nyepi, called ‘Catur Brata Penyipian’ (four meditations of silence), are: Amati Geni: no fire and light, Amati Karya: no working, Amati Lelungan: no travelling, Amati Lelanguan: no entertainment. And that is precisely what happens. The airport shuts down, no one must leave their homes, no noise is permitted, and no light must be seen from the outside. This will take place from 6 am on 19 March to 6 am on 20 March. It is a serene day of tranquillity, and at night, with no light pollution, the skies shine bright with stars, especially as it is a new moon.

Read more at bugisbalitourandtravel.com/nyepi

Omed-Omedan

20 March 2026

Known as the kissing ritual, Omed-omedan is celebrated on the day after Nyepi (the silent day) to welcome the Saka new year. Known as the kissing ritual, Omed Omedan is exclusive to Sesetan Village, Denpasar, when the bachelors and bachelorettes aged 17-30 of Sesetan gather on the area’s main street for a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Divided into two groups (men vs women), they will take position and face each other; at a given signal, both sides will approach the centre of the street, and male participants will pull and kiss (sometimes forcefully) the female participants while the rest of the villagers in the audience pour buckets of water over them. It is said to be a celebration of fertility.

April 2026

Hari Raya Saraswati & Pagerwesi

4 & 8 April 2026

The Balinese Hindus have a day dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. She is said to rule over books, lontar manuscripts, and all objects of knowledge. On her festival day, all these objects may not be used, as they are presented with offerings. The ritual is done in one’s private house for one’s own books, but one also visits, with offerings, all the balian usada (traditional ‘doctors’), or other people of knowledge one may have consulted since the previous Hari Saraswati (Saraswati Day).

Four days after Saraswati is Pagerwesi Day. Pagerwesi commemorates the day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil was fought. In English, the word Pagerwesi translates to “iron fence”, symbolic of the day that the Balinese strengthen their fortifications against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and Saraswati Day is that knowledge is so powerful that it must be protected from bad influences.

Tumpek Landep

18 April 2026

Tumpek Landep is the day dedicated to metal in the 210-day traditional pawukon calendar of events in Bali. It comes two weeks after Saraswati, the day dedicated to Knowledge and Awareness, through which humans became “fully humans” by prohibiting incest and the creation of the concept of time. One of the first signs of human knowledge is indeed, just after the creation of the calendar, the discovery of fire and the invention of metal technology. Hence weapons. This is what is celebrated on Tumpek Landep, with landep meaning sharp in Balinese. The weapons are not simply objects, though. They evoke ancestors and thus carry the family’s mystical, trans-generational power. In times of crisis, they might be taken out and “purified” and “empowered” (dipasupati), hence becoming ready for use.

Bali Spirit Festival

15 – 19 April 2026

The highly celebrated Bali Spirit Festival is held in Ubud, where thousands of yogis descend on the island to take part in one of Asia’s biggest yoga festivals. It was founded in 2008 by The BaliSpirit Group, best known for the Yoga Barn, and has become a destination event for both international and national participants interested in yoga, health and wellness. The festival is one of the most awaited events in Bali.

The festival has two distinct sides. During the day, a plethora of yoga, breathwork, martial arts, meditation, talks and healing workshops take place, with renowned practitioners leading sessions. There’s community music, markets and lots of amazing food, with lots for families to take part in. At night, the festival transforms into a world music wonderland, with an atmosphere filled with positivity, warmth and good times.

Find out more at: balispiritfestival.com

May 2026

Tumpek Uduh

23 May 2026

The special ceremony to honour plants is known as Tumpek Uduh, an auspicious day celebrated every 210 days following the Balinese pawukon calendar. On this day, offerings are given to Dewa Sangkara, the God of Plants (more accurately, the manifestation of God as Dewa Sangkara).

Tumpek Uduh marks a moment of reflection for humans on the importance of plants for livelihood, and in the requirement for harmony with nature, as dictated in the Balinese philosophy of wellbeing, Tri Hita Karana. It takes place exactly 25 days before the most important festival, Galungan, and this is no accident. By blessing the plants at this time, they ask them to be blooming, fertile and fruitful in time for the big Galungan ceremonies. This ceremony is also known as Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek Pengatag – why so many names? Well, many small rituals must take place: Pengarah, whereby it is announced to the plants that they are being blessed. What follows is the

pengatag, where the plant is tapped, hit or even partially peeled (if a tree) and then hanging ornaments known as sasap are placed upon it. Next is bubuh, which comes from the term bubur, or porridge, which is given to the plant as an offering of food (water and nourishment). As plants are considered sacred on this day, people are forbidden to climb trees.

Ubud Food Festival

29 – 31 May 2026

Over three jam-packed days, Ubud fires up its stoves and cooks up a delectable food-focused festival filled with flavour! Celebrating cuisine of all kinds, from Indonesian to international and fine dining to vegan, the town buzzes with a programme comprised of cooking shows, workshops, culinary discussions, dining experiences, film screenings and parties.

The Ubud Food Festival presents a real potpourri of experiences and people: renowned international chefs come to host fabulous collaboration lunches and dinners with Ubud restaurants, and local food heroes, from innovators to producers, showcase their work. Main events are centred at the ‘Taman Kuliner’ festival hub, with food and drink markets and free shows, and all around town, a variety of venues host a wealth of different events.

Find out more at: ubudfoodfestival.com

June 2026

Bali International Film Festival

1 – 7 June 2026

Bali International Film Festival (also known as Balinale) returns for its 19th edition from 1 to 7 June 2026, setting up a weeklong event perfect for cinephiles and movie lovers across the island. As Indonesia’s first and only Oscar®-Qualifying Film Festival, Balinale marks nearly two decades of showcasing exceptional cinema. Its 2025 edition featured over 72 films from 32 countries, including 8 World Premieres, 25 Asian Premieres, 16 International Premieres, and 23 Indonesian titles across the seven-day event.

The festival encourages filmmakers from Indonesia and worldwide to submit their unique and thought-provoking independent works that range across all genres of feature narrative and documentary, short narrative, documentary, and animation that inspire, captivate, and entertain.

Established back in 2007, the prestigious festival is globally recognised for its diverse programming of global independent cinema and for significantly promoting Indonesian film and creative industries through global industry events, film associations, and established professional affiliations. For its proven efforts in delivering cultural, civic, and economic benefits to the country, Balinale is endorsed by the national and provincial governments.

Find out more at balinale.com

Ubud Open Studios

5 – 7 June 2026

From 5 to 7 June 2026, Ubud Open Studios returns for its fifth edition, presenting three inspiring days that offer exclusive access to Bali’s most celebrated creative spaces. This uniquely crafted experience invites visitors to step inside the studios of renowned artists, designers, and craftspeople, where imagination and craftsmanship come to life.

What sets Ubud Open Studios apart is the opportunity to meet the masters themselves. Over three days, participants can engage directly with acclaimed creators, gaining insight into their approaches, processes, and ways of thinking. Selected venues will also host workshops and private learning experiences for those eager to dive deeper into the creative journey.

Showcasing more than 60 local and international artists – from painters and architects to ceramicists, photographers, and weavers – Ubud Open Studios lets visitors explore at their own pace. Participants can curate their own routes, handpicking the studios and disciplines that speak most to them.

An initiative by Elami Productions, Ubud Open Studios continues to celebrate the artistry, community, and enduring spirit that define Ubud as Bali’s creative heart. Whether you’re an art collector, a curious traveller, or simply seeking inspiration, Ubud Open Studios offers an authentic glimpse into Bali’s vibrant creative culture – welcoming, accessible, and deeply human.

Find out more at ubudopenstudios.com

Galungan and Kuningan

17 & 27 June 2026

The Galungan and Kuningan ceremonies are the most important religious celebrations of the Balinese pawukon calendar. The entire Galungan festival refers to the ten days starting from Galungan and ending on Kuningan, celebrated on a cycle of 210 days. 

On Galungan, deified ancestors come down to our earthly realm from their spiritual abodes – they thus must be welcomed with entertainment (music and dance), prayers and offerings. It is a celebration of good over evil. Even before Galungan day comes around, the streets will already be prepared. The first signs are the penjor, beautifully decorated bamboo poles that line every street. Penjor are symbolic: their arching top represents Mt. Agung, their long trunk represents a river that flows down to the oceans, and a sanggah or shrine is at its base where offerings are placed. One of the ritual events in Bali you should witness.

Find out more here: bugisbalitourandtravel.com/story-of-galungan/

Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali)

13 June – 11 July 2026

Held annually, the Bali Arts Festival, locally known as Pesta Kesenian Bali, was first held in 1979 by the late Professor Ida Bagus Mantra. It is the cultural highlight of the year, where for a whole month, all aspects of art are on display. Everything from traditional dances, costume parades, art displays and exhibitions and musical performances is expected here as different banjars (village communities), sanggars (art groups) and districts compete against one another.

The majority of events and performances are held at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Center in Denpasar, but the program also extends to the Indonesian Institution of Arts (ISI) Denpasar, the Bajra Sandhi Monument, amongst other venues in Bali’s capital.

The Bali Arts Festival kicks off with an extraordinary parade on the streets of Denpasar, in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monument. This stunning opening event marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of Balinese culture, including art, music and literature, across the island.

Mekare-Kare (Pandan War)

June – July 2026

One of the most spectacular, visual spectacles on Bali’s cultural calendar is mekare-kare, better known as the ‘pandan wars’. This takes place in Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan, a ‘Bali Aga’ (ancient Balinese) village in Karangasem, where customs and way of life are quite distinct from most of Bali. The community predates the influences of the invading Hindu-Javanese Majapahit Empire, whose culture has dictated much of the island’s identity.

In Tenganan Pegringsingan, the pinnacle of the year is on the fifth month of their ritual calendar, normally June or July.  This is the month of Usaba Sambah, a month-long ceremony filled with prayers, sacred dances, sacrifices, ceremonial foods, ritual swings, and gatherings, all ending in the ‘climax’ of mekare-kare. During the two days of mekare-kare, the village comes to life: villagers are out in their traditional dress, prized geringsing cloth, with ceremonial offerings throughout the day. At around midday, the stage is set as the men take their turns to face an opponent with bunched, thorny pandan leaves in one hand and a rattan shield in the other. They fight to grate the skin of their opponent with the sharp thorns of the pandan. A blood sacrifice to honour Dewa Indra, God of War, their principal deity. It’s a wild and raucous affair and an exciting cultural event to witness.

July 2026

Penglipuran Village Festival

18 – 19 July 2026

A festivity taking place at one of Bali’s most serene villages, the Penglipuran Village Festival is a
celebration of Balinese arts through cultural parades, traditional dance competitions, traditional
cooking competitions, and many more. Located in the Bangli Regency, Penglipuran Village is an
example of Bali’s authentic village compounds, retaining the original layout of its housing
compounds and indeed a traditional way of life as well. If you love cultural events in Bali, pencil this
one in!

Bali Kite Festival

July/August 2026 (Date TBC)

From June to September, cool winds from the Australian winter blow across the island’s south coast, and the combination of warm sunshine and beach breeze makes for a most delightful climate. The Balinese capitalise on this auspicious meteorology to engage in the island-favourite pastime: flying kites!

What was once a simple pastime for children out in the farms and fields has grown to become one of Bali’s most anticipated events. Preparing for such competitions is a highlight for banjars (village communities) around the island, who design, make and fly the kite together. It’s an important communal activity which epitomises Bali’s community-based culture.

Taking place on Padang Galak Beach in Sanur, it’s a real spectacle as each team comes with their own flags, music, support groups and the venue is filled with food, drinks, live commentary, and there is a real sense of excitement.

Bali’s skies will be filled with kites through this windy season. Accompanying this visual feast, you’ll notice, is the distinct ‘guangan’ sound that reverberates through the air, a hum produced by a string or ribbon stretched across two splints — a veritable sign that kite season is here!

Lovina Festival

24 – 26 July 2026

Held in Kalibukbuk and Kaliasem villages, the Lovina Festival reflects the beauty of Lovina Beach with its sparkling black sand and breathtaking sunset. During the festival, you can enjoy collaborative music performances, Bungbung traditional dance, puppet shows, cultural parades around the villages in Lovina, and even parties at Kaliasem Beach. The festival highlights are the fireworks show and the cultural parade, in which the local communities take part. It overall blends the beauty of nature and culture.

Makepung Buffalo Race

July – October 2026

One of the biggest pulls of Bali’s most western region, Jembrana Regency, is Makepung. This is a unique tradition that has its roots in Bali’s agrarian way of life, where locals compete in a one-of-a-kind chariot race with water buffaloes. Races begin around July, culminating with the ‘Jembrana Cup’, taking place around October, though dates vary every year.

The race is one of pride and honour, often amongst the farmers showing off the stock of their powerful buffaloes, normally their partners in ploughing the fields. Decorated in full pomp for the occasion, and then tied to equally colourful chariots, participants will race around a 2km dirt track in dramatic fashion. It is a real community event, one that will take place in spite of tourist visitors. It is a tradition observed and continued by the agrarian west of the island, one of the most unique spectacles and events in Bali.

August 2026

Tumpek Krulut

1 Agusust 2026

The Balinese Hindus observe a unique auspicious day known as Tumpek Krulut. This is considered the day of music, art and affection, dedicated to the deity Dewa Iswara (Kawiswara), a manifestation of the Almighty God. 

Tumpek refers to the six specific auspicious days on the pawukon calendar of events in Bali, each taking place every 210 days. Krulut comes from the word lulut, which means to symbolise love and joy. The Balinese believe that art is present in every aspect of life, not limited to paintings and dances, but anything that creates pleasure. Tumpek Krulut is a tribute to this understanding, conveyed through a mutual love for music. Therefore, on Tumpek Krulut, instruments like the gamelan orchestra will be blessed and celebrated for their contribution to prayer, worship and the enjoyment of life.

In its purest form, Tumpek Krulut is the day to bless gamelan instruments in hopes of producing holy sounds and harmonies. On this day, they also pray for modern musical instruments, such as guitars or pianos.

Ubud Village Jazz Festival

7 – 8 August 2026

This is a festival made by lovers, for jazz lovers! Ubud Village Jazz Festival came to life in 2013 and since then, has presented a real ‘pure’ musical event in the artistic surroundings of Ubud, Bali. One of the favourite music events in Bali every year.

Taking place over two days in early August, the event creates a beautiful setting on the traditional grounds of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA). The world’s top jazz performers hit the stage, with a truly eclectic line-up of musicians, composers, singers, and performers each presenting their own form of the genre. The music is complemented by a bazaar and food and drinks market throughout the day and night, plus a great roadshow of performances around Bali leading up to the festival.

Find out more at ubudvillagejazzfestival.com

September 2026

Tumpek Kandang

5 September 2026

Tumpek Kandang is dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the god of all cattle and livestock. On this day, domesticated animals receive special attention. Cows are washed in the river and decorated with cone-shaped spirals made of coconut leaves on their horns, while pigs are adorned with cloths wrapped around their bellies, usually white or yellow. 

Prayers are offered to the gods for the welfare of the animals, and at the end of the ceremony, holy water and rice are sprinkled on the heads. The scale of the rites depends on the number of animals a family owns – the more animals, the grander the ceremony. The most elaborate ceremonies are held in mountainous regions, while elsewhere, simpler rituals with fewer “bebanten” offerings suffice.

October 2026

Tumpek Wayang

10 October 2026

According to the Balinese calendar, Tumpek Wayang falls on a Saturday once every six months (210 days). The Lord of Puppeteers, Sanghyang Iswara, is honoured when the Balinese Hindus celebrate Tumpek Wayang Day.

On this day, puppeteers (Dalang) throughout the island will present offerings to their shadow puppets (wayang kulit) to honour Dewa Iswara. The puppets are taken out of their cases to be blessed by their owners and placed in a position as if an actual performance is being held. The objective is to invoke smoothness and reliability during a real performance, and for the puppet to be able to captivate the audience.

A theatrical expression in Bali, wayang (or shadow puppet), is often performed as entertainment and is an integral part of several Balinese Hindu rituals. The wayang figures, which normally portray Hindu characters, are manipulated with rods by these puppeteers, known as Dalang. He tells the story to captivated crowds alongside the gamelan orchestra. They are not only forms of entertainment; however, often the stories of the Dalang were used to share and spread lessons of good morals to the people.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

21 – 25 October 2026

Celebrating its 23^rd edition, this world-renowned literary festival and one of the most anticipated annual events in Bali returns with a programme that will no doubt see some of the world’s most celebrated writers, authors, thinkers, speakers, and more join this milestone moment.

The festival comprises a whole range of formats from panel discussions to literary lunches, long table dinners, walking tours, cocktail parties and performances. And, whilst the ‘stars’ of the festival are indeed authors and writers, it is the topics of conversation, the discussion on both local and global issues that they engage in, that makes this gathering so very interesting.

Whether you’ve read a novel or the latest hit biography is beside the point; many of the panel discussions will cover intriguing themes, and the writers – whose very job it is to delve deep into an issue – share their expertise and findings with the audience. Of course, avid readers and budding writers have the chance to listen and engage with top authors, join workshops and meet a community of like-minded, worldly festival-goers. 

At night, UWRF transforms into a spectacle of entertainment. Poetry performances light up the stage, local musicians pump up the atmosphere, and screenings of independent movies are played to a captive audience.

Find out more: ubudwritersfestival.com

Hari Raya Saraswati & Pagerwesi

31 October & 4 November 2026

The Balinese Hindus have a day dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. She is said to rule over books, lontar manuscripts, and all objects of knowledge. On her festival day, all these objects may not be used, as they are presented with offerings. The ritual is done in one’s private house for one’s own books, but one also visits, with offerings, all the balian usada (traditional ‘doctors’), or other people of knowledge one may have consulted since the previous Hari Saraswati (Saraswati Day).

Four days after Saraswati is Pagerwesi Day. Pagerwesi commemorates the day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil was fought. In English, the word Pagerwesi translates to “iron fence”, symbolic of the day that the Balinese strengthen their fortifications against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and Saraswati Day is that knowledge is so powerful that it must be protected from bad influences.

November 2026

Tumpek Landep

14 November 2026

Tumpek Landep is the day dedicated to metal in the 210-day traditional pawukon calendar of events in Bali. It comes two weeks after Saraswati, the day dedicated to Knowledge and Awareness, through which humans became “fully humans” by prohibiting incest and the creation of the concept of time. One of the first signs of human knowledge is indeed, just after the creation of the calendar, the discovery of fire and the invention of metal technology. Hence weapons. This is what is celebrated on Tumpek Landep, with landep meaning sharp in Balinese. The weapons are not simply objects, though. They evoke ancestors and thus carry the family’s mystical, trans-generational power. In times of crisis, they might be taken out and “purified” and “empowered” (dipasupati), hence becoming ready for use.

Makepung Lampit Race

November 2026 (Date TBC)

Different from the regular Makepung Race, Makepung Lampit is held in wetlands, where a pair of buffaloes pulls the Lampit, or the wooden board, on muddy terrain. Inspired by the Balinese agricultural culture, Makepung Lampit signifies the gotong royong culture, where everyone helps each other. In the villages, everyone is helping with the land levelling process to prepare for the harvesting season. This tradition initiates Makepung Lampit.

Sanur Village Festival

November 2026 (Date TBC)

The most anticipated event of Sanur, and certainly one of the biggest community events in Bali, is the Sanur Village Festival. Sprawled along the beach will be a smorgasbord of food, markets, bazaars, sports events, artistic showcases, cultural performances and lots of music. Taking place from morning to night, the agenda of this several-day event is jam-packed with activities for young and old of all persuasions.

You’ll find yoga, water sports, a jukung boat parade, a kite festival, photo competitions, environmental initiatives and even talk shows taking place throughout the day; towards the evening, the energy changes with dances, live bands and beer and wine tents creating a real buzz. There’s a strong focus on being locally inclusive, with food and beverage offerings ranging from local eateries to five-star tastes, all at great prices. It’s an opportunity to jump into the real melting pot of the Bali community, the traditional and the modern coming together. 

Find out more: sanurvillagefestival.com

December 2026

Tumpek Uduh

19 December 2026

The special ceremony to honour plants is known as Tumpek Uduh, an auspicious day celebrated every 210 days following the pawukon calendar of events in Bali. On this day, offerings are given to Dewa Sangkara, the God of Plants (more accurately, the manifestation of God as Dewa Sangkara).

Tumpek Uduh marks a moment of reflection for humans on the importance of plants for livelihood, and in the requirement for harmony with nature, as dictated in the Balinese philosophy of wellbeing, Tri Hita Karana. It takes place exactly 25 days before the most important festival, Galungan, and this is no accident. By blessing the plants at this time, they ask them to be blooming, fertile and fruitful in time for the big Galungan ceremonies. This ceremony is also known as Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek Pengatag – why so many names? Well, many small rituals must take place: Pengarah, whereby it is announced to the plants that they are being blessed. What follows is the pengatag, where the plant is tapped, hit or even partially peeled (if a tree) and then hanging ornaments known as sasap are placed upon it. Next is bubuh, which comes from the term bubur, or porridge, which is given to the plant as an offering of food (water and nourishment). As plants are considered sacred on this day, people are forbidden to climb trees.

Denpasar Festival

December 2026 (Date TBC)

Denpasar Festival is one of the events in Bali that showcases the diversity and richness of expressions and creativity closely associated with the city of Denpasar. The Arts and Culture Festival is held as a venue for
various expressions of arts and culture, both traditional, modern and avant-garde, which
encompasses 6 aspects including display, selling, inspiring, transforming, entertaining and educating,
which is also complemented by the presence of various MSMEs in Denpasar City.

Besakih Festival

December 2026 (Date TBC)

Besakih Festival is one of the arts and culture festivals and events in Bali to promote the potential around
Besakih village, such as MSMEs, is set in Besakih Temple. It is held as an effort to restore
tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali, especially for a top tourism destination such as the
Karangasem Regency, which has various tourism potentials that other regencies rarely have.

The potential of Karangasem, which has authentic value, is a distinct advantage compared to other
areas in Bali that must be packaged in modern ways to attract as many tourists as possible to
Karangasem Regency. The festival will feature various MSMEs and creative economy exhibitions,
cultural parades, and art and entertainment performances.