Omed-Omedan 2025 in Bali

What could be more exciting than a crowd of single guys and girls between the ages of 17 to 30 kissing on the streets? The kissing festival takes place on the day after Nyepi (Saka New Year) and is a fun dating strategy. The name literally means "pull-pull" and perfectly conveys the traditions of this fascinating festival. Omed-omedan is a ceremony during which boys stay on one side of the road and girls—on the other. The boys then run to the girls, pull them in, and kiss them while other people in the crowd pour water on the couple. Not only is water a fun addition to this exhilarating event, but it's also believed to cool the heat and tension between lovers.

Festival Program & Customs

Taking place every year in Banjar Kaja Sesetan village, the Omed Omedan is a unique local tradition that is now famous all over the world. The ritual usually starts at around 2 pm. If you want to observe it, arrive early to secure a good viewing position. Protect your camera or any other electronic devices, as there will be water everywhere. Apart from the festival, there will also be a street bazaar with lots of traditional food and crafts. Live music and fun performances will entertain the crowd before the ritual begins.

It has been a ceremony for the young of the village to rejoice on the first day of the new year. Nyepi - the previous day - is also often called The Day of Silence. It is prohibited to light fires or even electricity. People also don't travel or indulge in any entertainment.

Origins of Omed-Omedan

It is believed that the ritual of Omed-Omedan has existed in Sesetan for at least 100 years. The tradition originates from a tale about a fight between male and female pigs and the conflict between negative and positive elements. At first, only the villagers of Banjar Kaja Sesetan participated in the event, but nowadays, everyone who wants can join the festivities.