Sorry, this entry is only available in English.
Looking to kickstart your 2025 with something memorable? This Bali event calendar has everything! From splashing around at vibrant water festivals to soaking in deep spiritual experiences, Bali events from January to March 2025 are packed with local celebrations. There’s a perfect mix for every kind of traveler. So let’s dive into Bali’s top events and why they’re worth your time!
January: Suwat Water Festival
The Suwat Water Festival is all about welcoming the new year with a splash—literally. Held between late December and January in Suwat Village, Gianyar, this festival hosts a lively water fight to welcome the new year. By throwing water at each other, the locals believe they can wash away any lingering negativity and start fresh. It’s a symbolic way to cleanse themselves of evil and welcome the new year with a clean slate. Prepare to get soaked and fully enjoy the high-energy Bali event as you dive into the action-packed celebrations!
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
February: Saraswati Day & Banyu Pinaruh
Saraswati Day, happening on February 8th, 2025, is a big celebration for Balinese Hindus, dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. During this special day, locals give thanks by making offerings at temples, schools, homes, and even offices. What’s interesting is that offerings are often placed in books, as a way to celebrate knowledge and wisdom. People avoid reading or writing in books on Saraswati Day, as they offer the books up to the goddess herself for blessings. At night, devotees gather at temples to read religious texts, honoring the goddess and reflecting on wisdom.
The following day, February 9th, 2025, is Banyu Pinaruh, a cleansing ritual where locals gather at beaches, rivers, or lakes to bathe in the early morning. This ritual is a way to purify the mind, body, and soul. Many people head to iconic spots like Tanah Lot Temple for this ceremony, making it a great time to join the locals and immerse yourself in a traditional Balinese spiritual practice. Locals participate in Banyu Pinaruh to rejuvenate their bodies and cleanse away the mundane feelings of daily life.
March: Nyepi Celebrations and Omed Omedan Festival
Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, is more than just a one-day event; it comes with a series of important ceremonies that span several days. The main day of Nyepi falls on March 29, 2025, but the build-up is just as crucial, starting with purification rituals and lively parades. This series of events marks the Balinese New Year based on the Saka calendar and serves as both a time of spiritual reflection and cultural celebration.
Tawur Agung Kesanga, Mecaru Ceremonies and Ogoh-Ogoh Parade
The day before Nyepi, March 28, is marked by the Tawur Agung Kesanga and Mecaru Ceremonies, which are held across Bali. These rituals aim to restore balance between humans, nature, and the divine. Locals make offerings to appease evil spirits and ensure harmony for the coming year. In some regions, traditional animal sacrifices are also part of this ceremony. Locals perform these rituals to cleanse the island, followed by the iconic Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in the evening.
The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade is one of Bali’s most exciting pre-Nyepi events. Large, monstrous effigies called Ogoh-Ogoh are paraded through the streets. These figures, often made of papier-mâché, symbolize negative forces and evil spirits. After being paraded, the effigies are burned to cleanse the island of evil, preparing for the peaceful day of Nyepi. The parade is vibrant and loud, with gamelan music, fireworks, and large crowds filling the streets.
Nyepi Day
After all the noise and excitement, Nyepi Day itself is a sharp contrast. On March 29, the entire island shuts down for 24 hours—no flights, no cars, and no lights. This day of silence is a time for self-reflection and spiritual renewal, offering a complete reset after the festive chaos.
Omed Omedan Festival
The day after Nyepi, on March 30, the energy shifts to a fun and playful tradition with Omed Omedan, also known as the Kissing Festival. Unmarried youths from Sesetan Village rush towards each other to kiss while being splashed with water by cheering onlookers. It’s a lighthearted tradition that contrasts sharply with the solemnity of Nyepi, bringing joy and blessings to the participants.
This unique blend of spiritual and cultural Bali event makes March an unforgettable time to dive into the island’s rich traditions and vibrant festivities.
Handy Tips for an Unforgettable Bali Festival Experience
- Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and belongings at the Suwat Water Festival—it’s guaranteed to get splashy.
- Stock up on essentials before Nyepi—everything shuts down, so prepare for a quiet day indoors.
- Participate in the ceremonies whenever possible to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many events welcome tourists, but be mindful of local customs.
- Embrace Nyepi’s silence—a day of reflection for locals and an ideal time for your own personal reset.
