Public Holidays

A Quick Overview of Balinese Holidays

From travelers making their way to the island of Bali to expats who want to brush up on their new land’s history of heritage, learning about Balinese holidays is for everyone. A holiday-happy place, the Balinese undoubtedly take every opportunity to celebrate and worship, and for good reason.
Old Balinese man with index finger on his lip to indicate silence on Nyepi Day

NYEPI DAY

Nyepi Day, part of Balinese New Year is a great starting point for learning what it means to celebrate Bali-style. Six days of celebration range from parading and partying to spending an entire day in silence. You can’t have the enthusiastic fun without the thoughtful reflection, and this holiday embraces that. The most steadfast of Balinese may even spend their silent 24 hours in still mediation. Nyepi day is one of the most popular Balinese Holidays and definitely a memorable day to experience when in Bali.
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Balinese streets decorated with Galungan and Kuningan decorations

GALUNGAN AND KUNINGAN

Galungan and Kuningan emphatically celebrate the triumph of good over evil, or dharma over adharma, as the Bali-Hindu celebrators put it. Twice a year, the Balinese spend 10 days acknowledging the spirits of their ancestors, reveling in floral displays throughout the streets, eating traditional food and enjoying time with the family.
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SARASVATI AND PAGERWESI

For the Balinese, Sarasvati and the subsequent Pagerwesi aim to bring a plethora of knowledge and wisdom to the people. Sarasvati takes place every 210 days, with celebrators making offerings, blessing books and praying in their homes or temples. Four days later, people acknowledge Pagerwesi with floral displays and praying for the god to wipe out bad and evil beings throughout the world.
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Celebration of one of the tumpek holidays in Bali

TUMPEK HOLIDAYS

Lesser known Balinese holidays are the Tumpek Holidays, including Tumpek Uduh and Tumpek Krulut, provide the Balinese with an opportunity to create offerings in exchange for luck, safety, and blessings. From making offerings to musical instruments to doing so for plants and crops, the Balinese have plenty of chances to bring blessings to their own life.
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