Gianyar, Bali, Feb. 5 -- The Gianyar Regency government has launched Bulan Bahasa Bali 2026 (Bali Language Month), an annual cultural program aimed at encouraging younger generations to preserve and use the Balinese language, script, and literature.

The festival, opened Thursday at Gianyar's Balai Budaya cultural center, features competitions in Balinese writing, storytelling, and public speaking.

Students from elementary to high school levels, as well as community groups, will participate in contests ranging from writing in Balinese script and reading ancient palm-leaf manuscripts ( lontar ) to producing short documentary films in Balinese.

Officials stressed that the initiative reflects Bali's commitment to safeguarding its linguisti...