Omed-Omedan, The “Kissing” Festival

Did you know that we have our own “kissing” festival here in Bali? Known as Omed-Omedan, this fascinating 100-year-old tradition takes place every year the day after Nyepi in the village of Sesetan, in Banjar Kaja, Denpasar. 

Omed-Omedan means “to pull” in the Balinese language. On this day, the young and unmarried girls and boys of the village between the ages of 17 and 30 will come together to celebrate the first day of the Balinese New Year with this fun and exciting tradition. 

The event begins with a mass prayer. Thereafter, the groups, divided into boys and girls, stand facing each other. Once the signal has been given, both groups will start pulling at one another, with the males trying to kiss their chosen females. 

Throughout the event, buckets of water are poured over the youngsters to add to the fun and excitement of it all. The festivities last for approximately 2 hours until every participant has been kissed. 

Banjar Kaja, Sesetan, is only a 12-minute drive from Prime Plaza Suites Sanur. Do speak to our Concierge if you’d like to witness this thrilling event, and do bear in mind that foreigners are only allowed to watch, not participate.