Prambanan Temple Closes on Nyepi Day Despite Busy Eid Holiday Season

The Eid holiday period in 2026 is expected to draw large numbers of visitors to Yogyakarta’s tourist destinations. However, the Prambanan Temple complex, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple, is preparing to serve as the centre for major Hindu ritual ceremonies ahead of Nyepi, the Hindu New Year celebration. The temple complex holds significant spiritual importance for Hindu practitioners.

Gistang Panutur, Director of Commercial Operations at InJourney Destination Management, stated that this year the Eid holiday coincides closely with Nyepi, creating a unique dynamic in the area. The Prambanan Temple management will prioritise values of religious tolerance by closing operations for one full day, despite expectations of increased tourist arrivals in Yogyakarta during the holiday season.

All tourism activities at the temple complex will be suspended for the entire day on 19 March 2026 to honour Nyepi celebrations.

“Specifically on 19 March 2026, Prambanan Temple will be closed to honour and, as we always do, observe Nyepi,” he said during a press conference at the Prambanan Temple complex on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

The temporary closure represents a way to honour the spiritual values inherent to Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex.

“This year is an especially significant moment, as the Eid period coincides closely with Nyepi. We view this as an opportunity to convey a message of diversity, harmony and religious tolerance at the Prambanan Temple,” he added.

One day before Nyepi, the Prambanan area will also host a major Hindu ceremony, the Tawur Agung Kesanga Nasional 2026. The main ceremony is scheduled for 18 March at the Wisnu Mandala Courtyard in Prambanan.

“Through this approach, we wish to demonstrate that Prambanan Temple is not only a tourism destination but also a space for cultural and spiritual encounter that fosters values of religious tolerance and diversity in Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bibit Hariadi, Chairman of the 2026 Tawur Agung National Committee, stated that the ceremonies will also feature ogoh-ogoh (ritual giant puppet) processions, a tradition preceding Nyepi. He estimated that approximately 30,000 to 35,000 people from various regions including Java, Lampung and Bali would attend the activities. Beyond its religious significance, the event is also considered a tourism attraction and cultural showcase for the Prambanan area.

“These ogoh-ogoh are creations by young people from Central Java, local creativity, and a tourism attraction,” Bibit said, according to the Central Java Provincial Government Communications Office website.

After the Nyepi celebrations conclude, the Prambanan Temple complex will reopen to tourists on 20 March 2026.