article_snippet: It's an opportune time to be young, free and single - or deeply in love with your significant other - in the tiny Balinese village of Denpasar.
article_snippet: Every year, one day after Balinese Hindus celebrate the Nyepi Day of Silence, thousands of locals gather in the streets to take part in a kissing ritual known as omed omedan.
article_snippet: Participants gather en masse in town centre to party and kiss, in an event that is believed to ensure good health and prosperity to all those taking part, as well as protecting tiny Balinese village of Denpasar from bad luck during the year ahead.
article_snippet: Every year thousands of locals gather in the streets to take part in the kissing ritual - known as omed omedan - in Denpasar .
article_snippet: The so-called kissing ritual happens one day after Balinese Hindus celebrate the Nyepi Day of Silence, marking the start of the new year .
article_snippet: It's not clear when, or why, mass kissing became incorporated into the tradition.
article_snippet: Omed omedan traditionally involves unmarried villagers, aged 17 to 30, and begins with prayer before mass kissing begins.
article_snippet: It's not clear when, or why, mass kissing became incorporated into the tradition, but mass kissing attracts thousands of participants every year .
article_snippet: Omed omedan traditionally involves unmarried villages, aged 17 to 30, and begins with the prayer before mass kissing .
article_snippet: As one would expect, many relationships blossom from the event after two villagers lock lips for the first time.
article_snippet: A participant told Indonesia Now that many couples eventually get married after sharing a traditional kiss.
highlights_snippet: Thousands of locals in tiny Balinese village of Denpasar gather for mass kissing ritual .
  