Thousands of Hindus from across the country are set to gather at Panggung Terbuka Ardha Candra, Taman Budaya Art Center Denpasar, Denpasar, to attend the National Nyepi Dharma Santi for Saka Year 1948/2026, scheduled to take place today, Friday. This celebration serves as an important moment to strengthen bonds of fellowship and reinforce the values of diversity within society.
The main event is expected to be attended by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhaimin Iskandar, representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The presence of central government representatives emphsized the state’s commitment to supporting religious celebrations as pillars of national character building. The Governor of Bali, along with regional leaders and interfaith figures, is also scheduled to attend.
The Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, I Nengah Duija, who will also be present at the event, expressed his deep appreciation for the National Dharma Santi event. He emphasized that Dharma Santi serves as an important platform for implementing the values of peace following the observance of Catur Brata Penyepian.
“We deliver our congratulations on the successful organization of the Nyepi Dharma Santi for Saka Year 1948 / 2026. Through this momentum, we hope that Hindus will continue to enhance the quality of devotion and strengthen genuine brotherhood for the progress of the nation,” said Prof. Duija.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chair of the 2026 Nyepi Dharma Santi Organizing Committee, I Nyoman Kenak, explained that the selection of Bali as the event’s venue carries deep philosophical meaning. According to him, this year’s Dharma Santi is not merely a routine ceremony, but a collective effort to generate positive vibrations for Indonesia’s peace.
“Bali as the host is not merely a venue, but part of an effort to generate positive vibrations toward harmony,” he stated during a press briefing in Denpasar on Thursday (April 16, 2026).
The Chairman of PHDI Bali further explained that, from the perspective of Hindu upakara, this activity can be understood as a form of pecaruan—a ritual of harmonization to maintain balance between humanity, the universe, and unseen forces (niskala). Through this harmonization, it is hoped that positive energy will emerge, producing broad impacts not only spiritually but also on the region’s economic and tourism sectors.
This year’s celebration carries the central theme: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Satu Bumi, Satu Keluarga, Nusantara Harmoni Indonesia Maju” It aligns closely with the Government’s priority program of strengthening religious moderation, where all humanity is viewed as one global family regardless of differences.
The series of events will feature a blend of spiritual rituals and cultural performances from across the archipelago. Balinese arts will take center stage, showcasing the richness of local identity that harmoniously integrates with universal values.
Through the National Nyepi Dharma Santi 2026, the Ministry of Religious Affairs hopes that the values of tolerance and brotherhood emanating from the Island of the Gods will inspire the international community while reinforcing Indonesia’s foundation as a more advanced and competitive nation.
Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
