KARANGASEM, DEWATA.NEWS – Authorities and traditional leaders in Bali have announced a temporary closure of hiking activities on Mount Agung for 27 days during the sacred Karya Agung Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh ceremony at Pura Penataran Agung Besakih.
The restriction will be in effect from Saturday (March 28) until Thursday (April 23), 2026, covering the full ceremonial period leading up to the conclusion of the major religious event.
The peak of the ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, coinciding with Purnama Kadasa in the Balinese calendar.
The decision was made during a traditional meeting (paruman) held at Jaba Pura Pasucian Besakih in Banjar Besakih Kangin, Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency on Thursday (March 5).
The meeting was coordinated by Pangrajeg Karya and Besakih Traditional Village Leader Jro Mangku Widiartha, together with temple priests and officials of the Besakih customary village.
“Two days before the ceremony of collecting holy water and invoking the deities, Mount Agung hiking activities will be closed,” Jro Mangku Widiartha explained.
The ritual of invoking the deities, known as nedunang Ida Bhatara, is scheduled to take place on Monday (March 30).
According to the organizing committee, the closure aims to preserve the sanctity of the Besakih Temple complex, which is closely connected to Mount Agung as part of a unified sacred area in Balinese Hindu belief.
Several high priests (sulinggih) have been appointed to lead the main rituals of the ceremony. They include Ida Pedanda Gede Putra Tembau from Gria Gede in Aan Village, Klungkung; Ida Pedanda Gde Swabawa Karang Adnyana from Gria Karang in Budakeling Village, Karangasem; and Ida Sri Bhagawan Putra Natha Nawa Wangsa Pemayun from Gria Kedatuan Kawista in Blatungan Village, Tabanan.
Ida Dalem Semara Putra from Puri Agung Klungkung will also serve as one of the main ceremonial leaders.
Additional female high priests will act as wiku tapini during the ceremony, including Ida Pedanda Istri Karang from Sibetan Village, Ida Pedanda Istri Wayan Jelantik Dwaja from Budakeling Village, and Ida Pedanda Istri Rai Manuaba from Sidemen District.
A series of rituals will take place leading up to the main ceremony, including purification rituals such as mapepada, bhumi sudha, and memben scheduled for March 17, followed by the Tawur Tabuh Gentuh ritual at Bencingah Agung on March 18.
The melasti purification ceremony will be held at the Tegal Suci spring in Menanga Village, Rendang District on March 31, followed by the main preparation rituals on April 1.
The peak ceremony will then take place on April 2 at Pura Penataran Agung Besakih before the closing ritual, known as nyineb, on April 23.
According to temple officials, the location of the melasti ceremony alternates depending on the year. “If the ceremony falls in an even year, the melasti is conducted at the Tegal Suci spring. In odd years, it takes place at Yeh Sah spring in Muncan Village,” said Jro Gede Artayasa.
Authorities and temple organizers advise hikers and visitors to respect the closure and avoid climbing Mount Agung during the ceremonial period.