2015 Calendar of Bali temple festivals and religious holidays

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Are you planning a trip to Bali? If so, have you factored a temple festival into your plans? With more than 10,000 temples, The Island of the Gods has local religious festivals every week.

…there is something special about attending a ceremony in a small village.

Temples throughout the island celebrate their anniversaries (odalan), and while a festival in a big temple can be spectacular, there is something special about attending a ceremony in a small village. Some festivals are purely local, and others are celebrated Bali-wide.

People in Bali follow three calendars simultaneously. These are the familiar Gregorian calendar, a Hindu lunar calendar called Saka, and the local Balinese Pawukon calendar which has only 210 days.

Why are we telling you this? Well, as you read this directory you will see some purely Balinese festivals occur twice in 2015.

So, here is inBali’s 2015 calendar of Bali temple festivals and religious holidays to help you plan your next visit.

Tumpek Kandang (aka Tumpek Uye) and temple anniversary celebrations 7 March

This is a Hindu thanksgiving festival for almighty Siwa (Shiva) or rather his avatar Sanghyang Rare Angon, lord of cattle and livestock. People bless their cattle and other animals, and of course things are lively at Bali Zoo in the Gianyar village of Singapadu.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Tegal Gede village, Badung regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa Downtown of Gianyar.
Pura Luhur Dalem Sagening, Kediri village, Tabanan regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 10 March

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Dalem Panji village, Buleleng regency.

Full moon ceremony and temple anniversary celebrations 11 March

Full Moon. Photo by rawdonfox

You can see a Full Moon Ceremony at these Bali temples today:

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Ceminggaon village, Ginyar regency.
Pura Penataran Dalem Ketut, Pejeng Kaja village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Balingkang Pinggan Village, Bangli Regency.
Pura Pasar Agung Sebudi Village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Kehen, down town Bangli.
Pura Batumadeg, Besakih (the mother temple) complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Tarukan, Cemenggon Village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 17 March

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Bukit Buluh, Gunaksa village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Tirta Sudamaala, Bebalang village, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Dalem Benawah village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Bitra village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tengah Padang, Tegalalang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tengkulak, Tulikup village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Badung, Ogang village, Karangasem regency.

Melasti and temple anniversary celebrations 18 March

Nyepi marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year, and new year’s eve celebrations start three days earlier with pilgrimages called Melasti, where people with beautiful parasols and flags take certain objects from their temples down to the coast, on foot, to be blessed. Sanur and Kuta beaches are good places to see this ceremony.

Melasti coincides with Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Puri Agung Tarukan, Pejeng village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Rambut Siwi, Yen Embang village, Jembrana regency.
Pura Batu Bolong, Canggu village, district of Kuta, Badung regency, Gianyar village.
Pura Rambut Siwi, Yeh Embang Village, Jembrana regency.
Pura Desa. Banyuning Village, East of the town of Singaraja.
Pura Dadya Agung Pasek Bendesa, Dukuh Manuaba Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tirta Anom, Padangsigi, Sandung Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Puri Agung Dalem Tarukan, Sawah Jero Agung, Pejeng Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Anyar Jaya Prana, Kalianget village, Buleleleng regency

Temple anniversary celebration 19 March

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Anyar Jaya Prana, Kalianget village, Buleleleng regency

Tawur Agung Kesanga – Balinese New Year’s Eve 20 March

Tawar Agung Kesanga, held at noon, is a sacrificial ceremony to bad spirits so they will not disturb the people.

Nyepi eve, 20 March, is a noisy affair. Every household chases bad spirits away by banging on pots and pans and anything else that comes to hand. Youth groups, who have spent weeks making papier mache effigies of these same spirits, parade them around the streets with firecrackers and more noise before setting them alight. You can see this at Puputan square in Denpasar, or at the crossroads of towns and villages throughout the island. It kicks off around 7.00pm.

Nyepi – Balinese New Year’s Day 21 March

Nyepi, literally “silence”, is the day when Bali is “closed”. That’s right, the whole island shuts down. No one is allowed to go out in the streets and locals don’t even turn the lights on at night. If you plan to be in Bali during Nyepi make sure it is in a well-equipped resort, or at a private home where you know you can stay for two nights and the day in between. This is not a time to turn up and expect to be catered for.

Nyepi marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year.

Ngembak Geni 22 March

Ngembak Geni is a social day, a bit like Boxing Day. Balinese people visit each other and recite ancient poems and songs from old books. It is a day for people to forgive each other and bury any grudges.

In Denpasar’s Banjar Kaja Sesetan there is a festival called Omed-Omedan for local maidens and bachelors called Med-Medan, including a tug-o-war, around 3.00pm. At the end of the tug the pair who find themselves in the middle have to smooch.

Temple anniversary celebrations 24 March

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Agung, Padma Tiga, Pura Pedharman Apit Yeh, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwakerti village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Tirta Empul, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pulaki, Banyupuh village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Labuhan Aji, Temukus village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Segara Penimbangan, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Bale Agung, Jagaraga Village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Gede, Pengastulan village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Beji, Sangsit village, Buleleng regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 26 March

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Puri, Pua Ulun Kulkul, Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Pura Banua Kawan, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 1 April

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel. Badung Kaba-kaba Village Tabanan regency.
Pura Agung Gunung Raung, Taro Kaja Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Desa, Bubunan Village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Dalem Tarukan, Pulasari Peninjoan Village, Bangli regency.

Purnama Kedasa (Tenth Full Moon festival) 3 April

This is an important festival observed in major temples Bali-wide. Our pick is a special ceremony called Betara Turun Kabeh in the famous mother temple Besakih in Karangasem regency. They invite the gods and important ancestors down for blessings. These temples are located on the side of Bali’s highest and most sacred mountain, Gunung Agung.

A Pura at the Mother Temple complex, Besakih. Photo by Schnobby

Temple anniversary celebrations 7 April

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ulun Kulkul, Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Bukit, Panji village, Buleleng regency
Pura Merajan Gajah Para, Tianyar village, Karangasem regency
Pura Gunung Kawi, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 10 April

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ratu Pasek Besakih (The Mother Temple) complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Batur village, Bangli regency.

Tumpek Wayang 11 April

Tumpek Wayang is a day to celebrate the Wayang Kulit – Bali’s shadow puppets.

Throughout Bali the Wayang puppet sets and musical instruments are all blessed to preserve their magical power to help people.

The ceremony is held at:

Pura Pedharman (all), Besakih (the mother temple) complex, Karangasem regecy.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Gede, Celuk Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Widyadari, Cemenggaon Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Alit and Ratu Lingsir, Singakerta Village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pemerajan Gunung Sulang Village, Klungkung regency.

Each Wayang Kulit performance is both a popular entertainment and a religious observances. A Balinese puppet master, or Dalang, has two sets of puppets, each belonging to the two great Hindu epics.

The Mahabharata epic features Bima, Arjuna and the other Pendawa brothers, their family and friends as well as their cousins who are their sworn enemies.

The Ramayana features Prince Rama, Princess Sita and their servant, the monkey god Hanoman. Their friends help Rama rescue Sita after the evil king Rawanna kidnaps her.

Popular clowns such as Twalen pop up in both Mahabharata and Ramayana performances.

Temple anniversary celebrations 15 April

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Ped, Nusa Penida Island.
Pura Penataran Agung, Padangbai Village, Karangasem Regency.
Pura Melanting, Cemenggaon Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Gaduhan Jagat, Singakerta Village, district of Ubud, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Masceti, Sanding Village, Gianyar Regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 21 April

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Batuyang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pasek Gelgel, Mengening village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Desa and Pura Pucak, Bedulu village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 22 April

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Samprangan, Samprangan Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Agung Pasek Gelgel, Sibang Kaja Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Paibon Dukuh Segening, Serongga Kelod Village, Gianyar Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 23 April

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Batu Madeg, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Kehen, downtown Bangli.
Pura Kentel Gumi, Banjarangkan village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Desa, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Desa, Penglatan village, district of Buleleng regency.

Hari Raya Saraswati and temple anniversary celebrations 2 May

Hari Raya Saraswati. Photo by Farley Roland Endeman

This is a day in honour of Sanghyang Aji Saraswati, Hindu goddess of art, science and learning. People throughout Bali ask her to bless their books and pray for wisdom. School kids and teachers are heavily involved.

Bali temple festivals today are found at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Bongkasa village, Badung regency.
Pura Pemaksan, Banyuning village, East of the town of Singaraja.
Pura Dadya Agung Bendesa Tangkas Kori Agung, Gerih village, Badung regency.

Banyu Pinaruh 3 May

The day after Saraswati, families head to the beach for purification rituals or just a relaxing holiday.

Soma Ribek (“Rich Monday”) 4 May

This is the day for calling down blessings on the harvest.

Sabuh Mas 5 May

Balinese jewellery. Photo by Amanda Shadforth

This is the day when people ritually clean their jewellery and precious metals, and thank God for their good fortune.

Pagerwesi, Perang Tipat Bantal (“Rice Cake Wars”) and other temple anniversary celebrations 6 May

The word Pagerwesi comes from ancient words meaning “iron fence” – so this is the day of the iron fence. Pagerwesi honours Siva’s avatar Pramesi Guru, guardian of the universe. People ask Pramesi Guru for prosperity and protection on this day, and pray for mental strength when tempted to despair or wrongdoing.

Our pick of today’s festivals is a food fight. After prayers at the temple the people of Kapal form up into two groups which then fling rice cakes at eachother. The remains get spread over the fields for prosperity. Jalan Raya Kapal, Mengwi, Badung Regency.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kehen, North of the town of Bangli.
Pura Padang Sakti Tangtu Village East of Denpasar.
Pura Laban Sindujiwa, Kedewatan Village, district of Ubud, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Pasek Ketewel, Sempidi Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Masceti Selasih Sanding Village, Ganyar Regency.
Pura Jagan Agung, Ketewel Village, Gianyar Regency.

Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) 15 May

This is the 2559th anniversary of Prince Siddhartha Gautama’s birth. It is celebrated in a particularly Balinese way at:

Vihara Amurva Bumi, Blahbatuh, Gianyar regency.
Wihara Dharmayana, Kuta.
Wihara Buddha Sakyamuni, Denpasar.
Brahmavihara Arama, Banjar, Singaraja.
Wihara Dharmagiri, Pupuan, Tabanan.
Wihara Buddha Guna, Nusa Dua.

Tumpek Landep and temple anniversary celebrations 16 May

This the day for “sharpening” up your mind, your wits and your values. Devoted to Sang Hyang Pasupati, the God of Heirlooms, Balinese people traditionally decorated their knives, swords, tools and all things metallic and sharp on this day. Nowadays the decorating extends to other metallic equipment such as machinery and cars.

Garages, smithies and workshops are interesting places today.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Terate Bang, Candi Kuning Village, Tabanan Regency.
Pura Mutering Jagat, Sidakarya Village, Denpasar municipality.
Pura Taman, Bubunan Village, Buleleng Regency.
Pura Pasek Tangkas, Kediri Village, Tabanan Regency.
Pura Dalem Tenggaling, Singapadu Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Dalem Pingit, Taro Kaja Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Penataran Agung Penatih, Tulikup Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Penataran Pande, Kusamba Village, Klungkung Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 20 May

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kereban Langit, Sading Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Pasek Bendesa, Pasar Badung, Legian Kaja Village, district of Kuta, Badung Regency.
Pura Pasar Agung, Sebudi Village, Karangasem Regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Bebalang Vellage, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Dalem Purancak, Barawa Village, district of Kuta, Badung Regency.

Batukaru Temple ‘Piodalan’ Anniversary 22 May

Every two years, pilgrims from various parts of Bali come to this mountain temple in Tabanan regency for prayers after Galungan.

Temple anniversary celebrations 23 May

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Putra Balingkang, Benawah village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 26 May

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Tangkas Sukawati Vellage, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Sanghyang Tegal, Tarokaja Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Puseh, Lembeng, Ketewel Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Dalem Gandamayu, Downtown of Klungkung .
Pura Dalem Lagan, Bebalang Village, South of the town of Bangli.

Temple anniversary celebration 27 May

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Gaduh, Binoh Ubung village, east of the town of Denpasar.

Odalan preparation inside a pura”. Photo by Riza Nugraha

Temple anniversary celebrations 8 June

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Agung (Bhatara Turun Kabeh ) the Descent of all Deities, ceremony Besakih complex, Karangasem Regency.
Pura Bukit Jati, Toya Bungkah village, Bangli regency.
Pura Batur, Batur village, Bangli Regency.
Pura Masceti, Pejengaji village, Bangli Regency.
Pura Dalem Tangsub village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Penambangan Badung, Pemedilan village, Downtown Denpasar.
Pura Jagatnatha, downtown Denpasar.
Puara Puseh, Dukuh village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Bendesa Tangkas Kuri Agung, Gerih village, Badung regency

Temple anniversary celebrations 10 June

Bali temple festivals today can be seen at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Kukuh Village, Tabanan Regency.
Pura Pasek Ketewel, Ketewel Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Puseh dan Pura Desa, Guwang Village, Gianyar Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 11 June

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ulun Kulkul, Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Bukit Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Merajan Gajah Para, Tianyar village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Gunung Kawi Gianyar regency.

Tumpek Uduh and temple anniversary celebrations 20 June

This festival honours Sanghyang Sangkara, god of plants. Farmers pray in their rice fields, gardens and plantations and people dress up trees and offer them food.

Bali temple festivals today can be found at:

Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Batuan Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Pasek Bendesa, Kekeran Village, Badung Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 24 June

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Gerih Village, Badung regency.
Pura Pucak Sari, Tembuku Village, Bangli regency.
Pura Kepisah, Sumerta village downtown of Denpasar.

Temple anniversary celebration 26 June

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Panji village, Buleleng regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 30 June

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Candi Kuning village, Tabanan regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 1 July

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Gana, Bebalang village, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Dalem Gde, Banjar Pande, downtown Bangli.
Pura Pucak Sari (Monkey Forest Temple), Sangeh village, Badung regency.
Pura Dadya Agung Pasek Sanak Sapta Rsi, Sidan village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 9 July

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kawitan Tangkas Kori Agung, Tangkas village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Siang Kangin Tampuagan, Peninjoan village, Bangli regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 10 July

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Segara Buleleng, downtown Singaraja.

Temple anniversary celebrations 11 July

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Agung, Padma Tiga, Pura Pedharman Apit Yeh.
Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwakerti village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Tirta Empul, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pulaki, Banyupuh village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Labuhan Aji, Temukus village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Segara Penimbangan, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Bale Agung, Jagaraga village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Gde, Pengastulan village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Beje, Sangsit village, Buleleng regency.

Full moon festival and temple anniversary celebrations 15 July

You can see Full Moon celbrations and Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Gelap, Besakih, (the Mother Temple) Complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dang Khayangan Pengukur-ukur, Pejeng village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Ponjok Batu,Palasari Village, Buleleng regency.

Galungan and Kuningan 15 – 25 July

This is a 10-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and the victory over the evil king who tried to ban the Hindu religion in Bali.

It starts with Galungan on 15 July. On this day every household erects a decorated bamboo pole called a penjor; and slaughters, cooks and eats a pig. They welcome the good spirits that come down to Bali to live for the 10 days, ending on 25 July with Kuningan. Kuningan is a day when Balinese people decorate their homes and temples, and serve yellow rice (nasi kuning) to thank the gods for their good fortune. This is not a good day to be on a diet!

Nasi Kuning or yellow rice. Photo by miss_yasmina

Temple anniversary celebrations 16 July

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Lempuyang luhur Purweketi village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Luhur Watukaru, Wongaya Gede Village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Pasek Kentel Gumi, banjarangkan Village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Pasek Gaduh, Umadesa Village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Pasek Kubayan, Wongaya Gede Village, Tabanan regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 17 July

Pura Ulun Suwi, Jimbaran village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Luhur Cemenggaon Village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 19 July

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Tegal Tamu, Batubulan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Kubayan Umagunung, Sempidi village, Badung regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 20 July

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dasar Buana, Gelgel village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Merajan Agung, Benawah village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Kahyangan Tulus Dewa, Apuan village, Bangli regency

Tanah Lot Temple. Photo by Farley Roland Endeman

Kuningan and temple anniversary celebrations 25 July.

Kuningan is the yellow rice feast we have described above.

Perang Jempan, a ritual we are yet to see at Paksebali village, Klungkung, is described as: “when the temple’s adherents carrying temple-effigies push one another as to indicate that the ceremony as a whole has been properly done”.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Taman Pule, Mas village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency.
Pura Ularan, Takmung village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Bukit Jati, Gulingan Kawan village, Bangli regency.
Pura Dalem Tegal Jaya, Batubulan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Guwang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Jenengan Majapahit, Cemenggaob village, Badung regency.
Pura Sadha, Kapal village, Badung regency.
Pura Sakenan, Serangan Island, the municipality of Denpasar.
Pura Luhur Pakendungan, Tanah Lot Beach, Tabanan regency.
Pura Dalem, Sanding village, Gianyar regency.
Makotekan ceremony (village purification), Munggu village, Badung regency.
Perang Jempana rituals, Pura Panti Timbrah, Paksebali village, Klungkung regency.

Bali Kite Festival July – August

Kite flying teams from Denpasar’s local communities descend on Sanur Beach to strut their stuff – probably not til 13 July or later. The Kite Flying Festival is an annual event but the starting date is determined at fairly short notice, according to weather conditions. As one of the locals says: “when wind is coming, kites will fly!”.

Bali Kite Festival. Photo by Rarioj

Temple anniversary celebrations 4 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pecatu village, district of Kuta, Badung regency.
Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi village, Badung regency.
Pura Goa Lawah (the bat care temple) Kusamba village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Andakasa, Antiga village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Penataran Agung, Jukut Paku, Singakerta village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency.
Pura Suralaya, Banda village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Dalem Senapati, Bebalang village, South of the town of Bangli.
Pura Pusering Jagat, Pejeng village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Tugu, Gelgel village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Geria Sakti, Tulikup village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Gaduh, Blahbatuh village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 5 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Purwa, Kubontinggah village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Dalem Dauma, Batuan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Natara Kacangdawa, downtown Klungkung.
Pura Puseh Brahmana, Kamasan village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Dalem, Sukahet village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Dalem Maspait, Guwang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Desa, Sanding village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Taman, Dukuh Kenderan village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 9 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Batu Madeg, Besakih compex, Karangasem regency Pura Kehen, downtown Bangli.
Pura Kentel Gumi, Banjarangkan village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Desa, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Bukit, Selat village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Pedharman Agung Satriya, downtown of Denpasar.
Pura Penataran Agung, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.
PuraDalem Bingkang, Kintamani, Bangli regency.
Pura Tampurhyang, Soangan village, Bangli regency.
Pura Ulun Danu Buyan, Pancasari village, Buleleng regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 19 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Luhur Pucak Padang Dawa, Bangli village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Silayukti, Padangbai village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Air Jeruk, south beach of Sukawati village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dangin Pasar, Batuan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Desa Lembang, ketewel village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran, Batuyang villge, Gianyar regency.
Pura Budha Kliwon, Penatih village, east of Denpasar.

Temple anniversary celebration 22 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Gelap, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Pusering Jagat, Pejeng village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Candi Gora, Tianyar village, Karangasem regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 30 August

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Bebalang village, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Banua Kangin, Besakih (the mother temple complex) Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem, Pemuteran Jelantik Tojan village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Taman Sari, gunung sari village, Tabanan regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 2 September

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Bendesa Mas Kepisah, Pedungan village, south of Denpasar.
Pura Pasar Agung, Kaba-kaba village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Dalem Petitenget, Kerobokan village, district of Kuta, Badung regency.
Pura Dalem Pulasari, Samprangan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Desa dan Puseh, Silakarang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Natih, Banjar Kalan, Batuan village, Gianyar regency.

Full Moon. Photo by Farley Roland Endeman

Full moon ceremonies and temple anniversary celebrations 8 September

Our pick for today is Pura Pancaring Jagat on the edge of Lake Batur. It is known for its “Barong Brutuk” performance, featuring a Barong made of banana leaves with a coconut shell mask.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Beskih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Putra Balingkang, Benawah village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Agung Besakih (the mother temple) complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwakerti village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Agung Pulaki, Banyu Poh village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Songan village, Bangli regency.
Pura Pancaring Jagat (including “Barong Brutuk” perfomance), Trunyan, on on the edge of take Batur, Bangli regency.
Pura Tanah Kilap, Suwung Kauh village, south of Denpasar.
Pura Dalem Puri, Batuan village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Kediri, Silakarang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem, Singakerta village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Puseh Ngukuhuni, Kramas village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pucak Payogan, Lungsiakan, Kedewatan village, district of Ubud, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Dalem Tampuagan, Peninjoan village, Bangli regency.
Pura Pemerajon, Kintamani village, Bangli regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa Tangsub village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Cemenggaon village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tirta Negari village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Agung, Cemenggaon village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tirta, Negari village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Agung, Tegalalang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Puseh, Singakerta village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 9 September

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Sari, Banjar Titih, Kapal village, Badung regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 21 September

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ulun Kulkul, Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Bukit Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Merajan Gajah Para, Tianyar village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Gunung Kawi, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 23 September

Bali temple festivals are found today at:

Pura Mas Pahit, Sesetan Village, South of Denpasar.
Pura Pasek Bendesa Manik Mas, Dukuh Kendran village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Sukawati village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Merajan Agung, Batuyang village, Gianyar regency.

Tumpek Kandang (aka Tumpek Uye) and temple anniversary celebrations 3 October

This is a Hindu thanksgiving festival for almighty Siwa (Shiva) or rather his avatar Sanghyang Rare Angon, lord of cattle and livestock. People bless their cattle and other animals.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Tegal Gede village, Badung regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, downtown Gianyar.
Pura Luhur Dalem Sagening, Kediri village, Tabanan regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 6 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Panji village, Buleleng regency.

Full Moon. Photo by Poolski

Full moon ceremonies and temple anniversary celebrations 7 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Tarukan, Ceminggaon village, Ginyar regency.
Pura Penataran Dalem Ketut, Pejeng Kaja village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Balingkang Pinggan Village, Bangli Regency.
Pura Pasar Agung Sebudi Village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Kehen, down town Bangli.
Pura Batumadeg, Besakih (the mother temple) complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Tarukan, Cemenggon Village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 13 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Bukit Buluh, Gunaksa village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Tirta Sudamaala, Bebalang village, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Dalem Benawah village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Dalem Bitra village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tengah Padang, Tegalalang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tengkulak, Tulikup village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Penataran Badung, Ogang village, Karangasem regency

Temple anniversary celebrations 14 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Puri Agung Tarukan, Pejeng village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Rambut Siwi, Yen Embang village, Jembrana regency.
Pura Batu Bolong, Canggu village, district of Kuta, Badung regency, Gianyar village.
Pura Rambut Siwi, Yeh Embang Village, Jembrana regency.
Pura Desa. Banyuning Village, East of the town of Singaraja.
Pura Dadya Agung Pasek Bendesa, Dukuh Manuaba Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Tirta Anom, Padangsigi, Sandung Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Puri Agung Dalem Tarukan, Sawah Jero Agung, Pejeng Village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 15 October

You can see a Bali temple festival today at:

Pura Anyar Jaya Prana, Kalianget village, Buleleleng regency.

Temple anniversary celebration 20 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Agung, Padma Tiga, Pura Pedharman Apit Yeh, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwakerti village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Tirta Empul, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pulaki, Banyupuh village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Labuhan Aji, Temukus village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Segara Penimbangan, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Bale Agung, Jagaraga Village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Gede, Pengastulan village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Beji, Sangsit village, Buleleng regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 22 October

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Puri, Pua Ulun Kulkul, Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Pura Banua Kawan, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 28 October

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel. Badung Kaba-kaba Village Tabanan regency.
Pura Agung Gunung Raung, Taro Kaja Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Desa, Bubunan Village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Dalem Tarukan, Pulasari Peninjoan Village, Bangli regency.

Odalan preparation inside a pura. Photo by Riza Nugraha

Temple anniversary celebrations 3 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ulun Kulkul, Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Bukit Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Merajan Gajah Para, Tianyar village, Karangasem regency.
Pura Gunung Kawi, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 6 November

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Ratu Pasek Besakih (The Mother Temple) complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Batur village, Bangli regency.

Tumpek Wayang 7 November

This is a day to celebrate the Wayang Kulit – Bali’s shadow puppets. Each Wayang Kulit performance is both a popular entertainment and a religious observance.

Throughout Bali the Wayang puppet sets and musical instruments are all blessed to preserve their magical power to help people.

The ceremony is held at:

Pura Pedharman (all), Besakih (the mother temple) complex, Karangasem regecy.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Gede, Celuk Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Weidyadari, Cemenggaon Village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Bhatara Ratu Alit and Ratu Lingsir, Singakerta Village, district of Ubud, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pemerajan Gunung Sulang Village, Klungkung regency.

A Balinese puppet master, or Dalang, has two sets of puppets that belong to the two great Hindu epics.

The Mahabharata epic features Bima, Arjuna and the other Pendawa brothers, their family and friends as well as their cousins who are their sworn enemies.

The Ramayana features Prince Rama, Princess Sita and their servant, the monkey god Hanoman. Their friends help Rama rescue Sita after the evil king Rawanna kidnaps her.

Popular clowns such as Twalen pop up in Mahabharata and Ramayana performances.

Temple anniversary celebrations 11 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Ped, Nusa Penida Island.
Pura Penataran Agung, Padangbai Village, Karangasem Regency.
Pura Melanting, Cemenggaon Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Gaduhan Jagat, Singakerta Village, district of Ubud, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Masceti, Sanding Village, Gianyar Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 17 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Batuyang village, Gianyar regency.
Pura Pasek Gelgel, Mengening village, Tabanan regency.
Pura Desa and Pura Pucak, Bedulu village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 18 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Dalem Samprangan, Samprangan Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Agung Pasek Gelgel, Sibang Kaja Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Paibon Dukuh Segening, Serongga Kelod Village, Gianyar Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 19 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Batu Madeg, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Kehen, downtown Bangli.
Pura Kentel Gumi, Banjarangkan village, Klungkung regency.
Pura Desa, Panji village, Buleleng regency.
Pura Desa, Penglatan village, Buleleng regency.

Hari Raya Saraswati and temple anniversary celebrations 28 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

This is a day in honour of Sanghyang Aji Saraswati, Hindu goddess of art, science and learning. People throughout Bali ask her to bless their books and pray for wisdom. School kids and teachers are heavily involved on this day.

There are temple anniversary celebrations at:

Pura Pasek Gelgel, Bongkasa village, Badung regency.
Pura Pemaksan,Banyuning village, East of the town of Singaraja.
Pura Dadya agung bendesa Tangkas Kori Agung,Gerih village, Badung regency

Pagerwesi 2 December

The word Pagerwesi comes from ancient words meaning “iron fence” – so this is the day of the iron fence. Pagerwesi honours Siwa’s avatar Pramesi Guru, guardian of the universe. People ask Pramesi Guru for prosperity and protection on this day, and pray for mental strength when tempted to despair or wrongdoing. The people in Buleleng Regency, north Bali, are said to celebrate this festival strongly.

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kehen, North of the town of Bangli.
Pura Padang Sakti Tangtu Village East of Denpasar.
Pura Laban Sindujiwa, Kedewatan Village, district of Ubud Gianyar Regency.
Pura Pasek Ketewel, Sempidi Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Masceti Selasih Sanding Village, Geanyar Regency.
Pura Jagan Agung, Ketewel Village, Gianyar Regency.

Tumpek Landep and temple anniversary celebrations 12 December

This the day for “sharpening” up your mind, your wits and your values. Devoted to Sang Hyang Pasupati, the God of Heirlooms, Balinese people traditionally decorated their knives, swords, tools and all things metallic and sharp on this day. Nowadays the decorating extends to other metallic equipment such as machinery and cars.

Garages, smithies and other workshops are interesting places today.

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Terate Bang, Candi Kuning Village, Tabanan Regency.
Pura Mutering Jagat, Sidakarya Village, Denpasar municipality.
Pura Taman, Bubunan Village, Buleleng Regency.
Pura Pasek Tangkas, Kediri Village, Tabanan Regency.
Pura Dalem Tenggaling, Singapadu Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Dalem Pingit, Taro Kaja Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Penataran Agung Penatih, Tulikup Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Penataran Pande, Kusamba Village, Klungkung Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 16 December

Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kereban Langit, Sading Village, Badung Regency.
Pura Pasek Bendesa, Pasar Badung, Legian Kaja Village, district of Kuta, Badung Regency.
Pura Pasar Agung, Sebudi Village, Karangasem Regency.
Pura Puseh and Pura Desa, Bebalang Vellage, south of the town of Bangli.
Pura Dalem Purancak, Barawa Village, district of Kuta, Badung Regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 19 November

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Besakih complex, Karangasem regency.
Pura Dalem Putra Balingkang, Benawah village, Gianyar regency.

Temple anniversary celebrations 22 December

You can see Bali temple festivals today at:

Pura Penataran Tangkas Sukawati Vellage, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Sanghyang Tegal, Tarokaja Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Puseh, Lembeng, Ketewel Village, Gianyar Regency.
Pura Dalem Gandamayu, Downtown of Klungkung.
Pura Dalem Lagan, Bebalang Village, South of the town of Bangli.

Temple anniversary celebrations 23 December

Pura Gaduh, Binoh Ubung village, east of Denpasar.

Christmas 25 December

Of course we have Christmas in Bali! Check out our 2014 Christmas in Bali article to see what 2015 may have in store.

Have we missed your favourite event?

Are there details of your favourite festival that could benefit from a bit more information? Please contact us with your suggestions and remember, pictures are always welcome! info@inbali.org

Remember

While we make every effort to provide accurate information when we publish, we can’t be held liable if events are cancelled or dates change.

Organisers of many big events are yet to finalise and advertise their plans, and for this reason we plan to launch a new edition of this guide mid-year.

Also, local customs vary from regency to regency and even from village to village, so this is a rough guide only. It is wise to ask the locals a day or two in advance about their festival. As with all things Balinese, what you plan and what you get are never quite the same – but if you are open minded and happy to go with the flow you will be prepared to be surprised and delighted.