Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Curates Three-Day Nyepi Journey in Ubud

Experience Balinese Ceremonies And Cultural Rituals During Nyepi 2026

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has curated a three-day programme from 18 to 20 March 2026 to mark Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. The resort aims to offer travellers an immersive experience of sacred cultural rituals, set against the spiritual backdrop of the Ayung River and the rainforest sanctuary of Ubud.

Pengerupukan: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade - 18 March 2026

Mandapa invites guests to witness Pengerupukan, a ritual that symbolises the cleansing of negative energies in preparation for the Balinese New Year. Derived from the word meaning ‘to destroy’ or ‘to eliminate,’ Pengerupukan is marked by the dramatic Ogoh-Ogoh parade, where towering effigies of demonic entities are carried through the village. At Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the centrepiece of the procession is a striking depiction of Bhuta Wingkara, a fearsome figure from the underworld, accompanied by miniature effigies of a wild dog and a boar. Together, they embody Bali’s philosophy of balance and coexistence between humanity, nature, and the unseen world.

The evening continues at Sawah Terrace with an authentic Indonesian feast and cultural performance, a tapestry of stories, from mythological tales of the goddess Durga to ancient war reenactments.

Mandapa in Silence, Nyepi Day - 19 March 2026

From 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, guests are invited to appreciate the sacred solitude of Nyepi and reconnect with nature through a series of experiences inspired by Catur Brata Penyepian, the four sacred observances of silence, fasting, meditation, and self-reflection.

Highlights of the day include:

• Silent Tapa Brata Yoga: Begin the morning in quiet contemplation, practicing yoga in silence to cultivate inner balance.
• Cultural Walks: Explore the lush surroundings of Mandapa while learning about Balinese traditions and customs that honour harmony with nature.
  
• Balinese Customs Workshop: Engage with local wisdom and rituals that reflect the island’s spiritual heritage.
  
• Stargazing Meditation: Conclude the day beneath Bali’s night sky, embracing stillness and reflection through guided meditation.

For dinner, chefs will prepare Pulung Nyepi, a sweet dessert made with palm sugar, coconut, and aromatic spices, enjoyed by local communities for generations.  

Ngembak Geni Day - 20 March 2026

Ngembak Geni, translated as ‘rekindling fire’ that symbolizes the return of light, warmth, and social harmony after silence, through a transformative journey of purification and reflection that begins with Swara Yoga, an ancient breath practice aligned with lunar and planetary rhythms to unlock energies and harmonise the mind-body connection during the new moon, and culminates in a Melukat water purification ceremony led by a local priest and accompanied by the resonant sounds of live Gamelan music, where flowing water cleanses the spirit, washes away the past, and bestows blessings for renewal, marking a symbolic transition into a new phase of life and embodying the spirit of ‘new year, new me’.

Masanori Hosoya, General Manager of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, said, “Nyepi is unlike any other celebration in the world. The island’s silence carries a mystical energy that invites profound reflection. At Mandapa, we have curated experiences that honour this sacred tradition while offering guests a rare chance to reconnect with themselves and the spirit of Bali.”

Mandapa features 60 keys resembling an indigenous Balinese village framed by a rainforest along the Ayung River, in the spiritual town of Ubud, creating an ideal sanctuary to experience the energy of Nyepi.