DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The traditional Omed-Omedan festival, a unique cultural event held annually in Sesetan, Denpasar, returned on Friday (March 20, 2026), beginning after 13:00 WITA, one day after the island-wide Nyepi observance.
The ritual, which takes place exclusively in Banjar Kaja, Sesetan, involves groups of young men and women aged around 17 to their early 20s engaging in a playful pulling and embracing tradition. The event has become a distinctive cultural attraction due to its rarity and energetic atmosphere.
Omed-Omedan is traditionally held on the day following Nyepi and consistently draws attention from both local residents and visitors. The lively setting is enhanced by water splashing and a festive environment, along with rows of food stalls offering a variety of local dishes.
The 2026 edition is part of the Sesetan Heritage Omed-Omedan Festival (SHOF), carrying the theme “Toya Prakerti.” The theme emphasizes the importance of water as a vital element of life, culture, and the natural world, while also encouraging environmental awareness and the preservation of traditional values.
For international visitors, the festival provides insight into Bali’s living cultural traditions, particularly those that continue to be practiced within local communities rather than staged for tourism.
As one of Bali’s lesser-known but culturally significant events, Omed-Omedan highlights the role of youth participation in maintaining and passing down local heritage.