Prambanan Temple Closed on Nyepi Day, Saka New Year 1948
Tourist Park Prambanan temple will be completely closed during Holy Days NyepiMarch 19, 2026, or one day before Eid al-Fitr. The closure of the Hindu temple on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java is a form of respect for the sacredness of the Catur Brata Penyepian (Catur Brata Penyepian).
"On March 19, we will suspend all visiting activities at Prambanan Temple from 6:00 a.m. WIB until the following day, March 20, out of respect, as we always do on Nyepi Day," explained Gistang Panutur, Commercial Director of InJourney Destination Management, on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Prambanan Temple area management continues to prioritize tolerance by closing operations even though the number of tourists visiting Yogyakarta is expected to increase during the holiday season.
The temporary closure was carried out as a form of respect for the spiritual values inherent in the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
"This year is a very special moment, as the Eid al-Fitr period coincides with Nyepi Day. We see this as an opportunity to convey a message of diversity, harmony, and tolerance in the Prambanan Temple area," he added.
One day before Nyepi, the Prambanan area will also be the location for a major Hindu ceremony, namely the 2026 National Tawur Agung Kesanga. The peak of the ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 18 at the Wisnu Mandala Courtyard, Prambanan.
"Through this approach, we want to demonstrate that the Prambanan Temple area is not only a tourist destination but also a space for cultural and spiritual encounters that fosters values of tolerance and diversity in Indonesia," he said.
Meanwhile, Bibit Hariadi, Chairman of the 2026 National Tawur Agung Committee, stated that the series of events will also include an ogoh-ogoh parade, a tradition leading up to Nyepi. He estimates that around 30 to 35 people from various regions, including Java, Lampung, and Bali, will attend the event. Besides being a religious ritual, this event is also considered a tourist attraction and cultural showcase in the Prambanan area.
"This Ogoh-ogoh is the work of young people from Central Java, a local creativity, and also a tourist attraction," said Bibit, quoted from the official website of the Central Java Provincial Government Public Relations.
After the Nyepi celebrations end, the Prambanan Temple area will reopen for tourist visits on March 20, 2026.
