Omed-omedan ("that which is pulled back and forth") is a ritual unique to Banjar Kaja Sesetan in south Denpasar, performed annually on Ngembak Geni — the day after Nyepi, when the island's silence is lifted and social life resumes with extraordinary energy. The ritual involves young unmarried members of the banjar (community group) who are separated into two groups by gender, then pushed toward each other in the narrow gang (lane) between the banjar's compound walls. When the two groups meet, pairs are pulled together and encouraged to embrace or kiss as the assembled community cheers, pours water over the participants, and plays boisterous music on cymbals and drums. The ritual is believed to be at least 300 years old, with its origins in a legend: the king of Badung, on a visit to the banjar, found the community so quiet and orderly on the day after Nyepi that he ordered them to create commotion and joy — or face his displeasure. The young people of the banjar improvised the kissing game, the king was delighted, and the tradition was maintained ever since. Omed-omedan was banned for a period in the 1990s when a buffalo entered the village and caused chaos during the ritual, which was interpreted as an ill omen — but the ceremony resumed after the community suffered a series of misfortunes attributed to its absence. The event now draws large crowds of observers including many tourists, and the banjar manages the viewing area carefully to protect both participants and spectators. Arrive by 3 p.m. for a viewing position.