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13 Important Ceremonies in Bali You Should Know
Ceremonies in Bali are a key part of the island’s rich culture and spiritualtraditions.Â
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali celebrates every aspect of life with colourful rituals, music, and dance.Â
These events offer a unique insight into Balinese life and are a must-see for visitors. Here’s a list of 13 important ceremonies in Bali that you should know about.
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1. Nyepi
Nyepi, or the Day of Silence, marks the Balinese New Year. This unique ceremony in Bali involves 24 hours of complete silence, with no lights, work, or travel allowed. The day is meant for self-reflection and meditation, making it one of the most profound and unique ceremonies in Bali.
2. Saraswati
Saraswati Day is a special time dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. On this day, students and scholars in Bali show respect for their books and learning tools. Schools and libraries are decorated with offerings, and people pray for blessings in their studies.
3. Galungan
Galungan is one of the major ceremonies in Bali, celebrating the dharma over adharma or victory of good over evil. It’s believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors visit the Earth. Temples are beautifully decorated, and families prepare special offerings to welcome these spirits. The whole island joins in prayers and feasts to honour this special occasion.
Read More: ​​Do’s and Don’t in Bali as a Tourist!
4. Tumpek Landep
Tumpek Landep is a day when the Balinese honour metal objects, like tools and vehicles. Families bless their cars, bikes, and other metal items, asking for safety and good fortune. This ceremony shows the importance of these objects in daily life.
5.Tumpek Kandang
Tumpek Kandang is another important ceremony in Bali, focusing on animals. Farmers and pet owners make offerings to their livestock and pets, asking for their health and well-being. This day highlights the close relationship between people and animals in Balinese culture.
6. Bali Arts Festival
The Bali Arts Festival is a month-long event that celebrates Balinese culture.It’s one of the most vibrant ceremonies in Bali, showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. Artists from across the island come together to perform, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cultural pride.
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7. Kuningan
Kuningan is the final day of the Galungan celebrations, which last for ten days. It’s a time when families honour their ancestors with special offerings and prayers. This ceremony in Bali is a beautiful way to remember and respect the spirits of loved ones.
8. Melasti
Melasti is a purification ceremony held before Nyepi. During this time, people take sacred objects from temples to the sea or other water sources to cleanse them. This ceremony in Bali is full of colour and life, with processions and offerings that prepare the community for the new year.
9. Pagerwesi
Pagerwesi, meaning “iron fence,” is a day when Balinese people focus on strengthening their spiritual and physical defences. Offerings are made to ask for protection from evil forces. This ceremony in Bali emphasizes the importance of guarding oneself against negative influences.
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10. Odalan
Odalan celebrates the anniversary of a temple’s founding. This ceremony in Bali can last several days and includes dances, music, and community gatherings. Offerings and prayers are made to honour the temple and its deities, bringing the community together.
11. Taman Kuliner - Ubud Food Festival
The Ubud Food Festival is a culinary event that showcases Balinese and international cuisine. It’s one of the newer ceremonies in Bali, but it’s gaining popularity. The festival includes cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and workshops, highlighting the rich culinary heritage of Bali.
12. Tumpek Uduh
Tumpek Uduh, also known as Tumpek Pengatag, is a ceremony in Bali that honours plants, especially those that provide food. Farmers make offerings to ensure a good harvest. This day shows the deep respect Balinese people have for nature and the earth’s bounty.
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13. Tumpek Wayang
Tumpek Wayang is dedicated to the art of wayang, or shadow puppetry. This ceremony in Bali honours puppeteers, Lord Iswara, and the spiritual significance of their performances. Offerings are made to ensure successful shows and to keep this important tradition alive.
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Explore the unique ceremonies in Bali and learn about the island’s rich cultural traditions.Â
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FAQ's
Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence, is a unique ceremony in Bali that marks the Balinese New Year. It’s a day of complete silence and reflection, with no activities, lights, or travel allowed.
Saraswati Day is celebrated every 210 days in Bali. It’s a special day dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, where students and scholars honour their books and learning tools.
The Bali Arts Festival is a month-long event that showcases traditional Balinese music, dance, and crafts. It’s one of the most colourful and vibrant ceremonies in Bali, attracting artists and visitors from all over.
Galungan is a major ceremony in Bali that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It’s a time when the spirits of ancestors visit the Earth, and families honour them with offerings and prayers.
Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Anthony Besnault2024-05-04I highly recommend this tour for anyone eager to delve into the rich culture, tradition, art, philosophy and history of Bali. My experience with Khana was truly delightful; her warmth and knowledge made for a smooth and captivating discussion. It's undoubtedly a 5-star tour!
Elia Argentiero2024-05-02Wonderful tour! Khana is a passionate and knowledgeable guide which made the whole experience amazing!
Caroline o'Hara2024-04-28What a gem of a morning this was! We just loved it and we learnt so much. Perfectly paced and beautifully explained, Balinese and specifically Ubud history and culture came alive for us. Thank you Khana and Joe for such a great start to our few days in Ubud. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a more bespoke and small group learning experience.
Amanda Frisby2024-04-07The past to present tour was excellent! Our guides were passionate about the history they were telling us and explained things very well. The story walk was a high light for me in my visit to Bali!
Clara GĂłmez Donoso2024-03-27Amazing tour to learn about Balinese culture! Really made me appreciate their way of living. Highly recommended, the guides are very generous sharing their knowledge and experience. Thanks so much Khana and Ira!
Olivia Pilla2024-03-15Khana was my guide and she was so friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Bali. I had an extremely enjoyable tour and would highly recommend it! The morning tea stop was delicious also. Thank you again Khana!
Marry Jay2024-03-14It was a beautiful little tour through ubud and a truly authentic experience. Though a bit more expensive than other tours I would highly recommend to book this tour to experience an authentic tour with a local. Thank you again Windari.
Judy Astridge2024-03-11Our guide Win shared interesting insights into Balinese culture. We highly recommend the walk Ubud past and present. Very enjoyable and a nice size of group.
Kate Gilkison2024-03-06I can 100% recommend this tour. I was looking for a short tour that would give me a taste of Bali’s history, culture, art and way of life, and this definitely delivered. Khana was an excellent guide, who answered all our questions and more!