The festival, opened Thursday at Gianyar’s Balai Budaya cultural center, features competitions in Balinese writing, storytelling, and public speaking.
Students from elementary to high school levels, as well as community groups, will participate in contests ranging from writing in Balinese script and reading ancient palm-leaf manuscripts (lontar) to producing short documentary films in Balinese.
Officials stressed that the initiative reflects Bali’s commitment to safeguarding its linguistic and cultural heritage, which is deeply intertwined with Hindu traditions and local identity.
“Balinese should continue to be spoken in families and cultural activities. Never be ashamed to use it, even if you are fluent in foreign languages,” Assistant for General Administration at Gianyar’s regional secretariat I Ketut Pasek Lanang Sadia said.
The 2026 edition carries the theme Atma Kerthi–Udiana Purnaning Jiwa, symbolizing the reverence of language, script, and literature as sources of consciousness and harmony.
According to Gianyar’s Head of Culture Office, I Wayan Adi Parbawa, the event is not only about celebration but also about strengthening, developing, and preserving Balinese as a living language.
Balinese, spoken by millions but increasingly overshadowed by Indonesian and English, is considered at risk of decline if younger generations do not actively use it.
Programs like Bali Language Month are seen as vital to ensuring its survival.
Winners from Gianyar will go on to represent the regency at the provincial-level festival later this year.
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Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicak
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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