Karangasem Launches Tirta Gangga Art Festival 2026, Celebrating Culture at the Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Art Festival 2026 has opened at the Tirta Gangga water palace in East Bali's Karangasem regency, marking the site's 78th anniversary. The event features traditional dance competitions, cultural parades, and local business stalls, bringing together artists and communities from diverse backgrounds.
On September 13, 2026, Karangasem Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata officially opened the Tirta Gangga Art Festival 2026 at the Tirta Gangga water palace in Ababi Village, Abang District, East Bali. The opening coincided with the 78th anniversary of the water palace's founding.
The ceremony began with the sounding of gongs and drums, followed by a symbolic release of koi fish, marking the start of a series of cultural events. Regent Parwata emphasized that Tirta Gangga is not merely a tourist destination but a space for preserving tradition and bringing together diverse cultural expressions within the community.
Themed "Vatika Tirtha Natyakala Prajahita," the festival positions the water garden as both a space for artistic expression and a source of life. Scheduled activities include Barong dance competitions, traditional gamelan performances (beleganjur), dance shows, lontar palm-leaf writing, and penjor (bamboo decoration) crafting.
The festival also features a Karangasem Cultural Parade, local music, Rebana and Rudat performances from the Muslim community, and Barongsai (lion dance) performances from the Chinese community, reflecting the event's emphasis on cross-cultural gathering rather than mere entertainment.
As part of the anniversary events, organizers distributed school supplies to nearby elementary schools, provided basic food assistance, and offered free health check-ups for elderly residents. Local small and medium enterprises (UMKM) also set up stalls to sell products to visitors.
This marks the second edition of the festival following its debut in 2024, with organizers expressing hope to continue developing it as a recurring cultural and tourism event.
Things to Consider
Travelers visiting East Bali can add the Tirta Gangga water palace in Abang District, Karangasem, to their itinerary during the festival period to enjoy dance competitions, cultural parades, and local food stalls alongside regular sightseeing. Check with organizers or the local tourism office for exact schedules, and arrive early on weekends when crowds are expected. Purchasing from local UMKM stalls also helps support the surrounding community's economy.
Source: Warta Bali Online