KARANGASEM, Bali — The third edition of the Tirta Gangga Art Festival is bringing together Bali’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions, including those rooted in Hindu and Balinese heritage as well as traditions from other faiths.

The festival, being held from Sept. 13 to 19, 2026, features a series of cultural and artistic activities, including mass dance performances, cultural parades and competitions.

Anak Agung Made Kosalya, head of the Tirta Gangga management team, said the festival was designed to showcase the richness of art and culture across religious and cultural traditions.

He said the event was also expected to help attract more visitors to Karangasem by offering tourists an opportunity to experience the regency’s cultural heritage alongside its natural attractions.

Karangasem Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata, popularly known as Gus Par, welcomed the festival and said events such as Tirta Gangga Art Festival could play an important role in promoting the regency as a tourism destination.

He also viewed the event as an opportunity to strengthen Karangasem’s appeal to potential investors as the regency continues to develop its tourism sector.

The festival highlights the cultural diversity of Gumi Lahar, the traditional name associated with Karangasem, while providing a platform for local communities and artists to preserve and promote their cultural traditions.

With Tirta Gangga serving as the festival’s setting, organisers hope the event can become a regular cultural attraction that contributes to tourism development while maintaining the region’s cultural identity.