The festival of Galungan in Bali is a time of great celebration and joy, transforming the island into a festive, colorful, and bustling haven of activity. The festival is celebrated twice yearly, according to the 210-day Balinese calendar - the Puwakon.
Galungan and Kuningan 2024 Dates
Galungan 2024 - 28 February, 2024 – 9 March, 2024
Galungan Significance and History
Offerings made in Bali during Galungan (Source)
In Bali, Galungan honors the God of creation - Ida Sang Hyang Widi. The festival is believed to celebrate the triumph of good against evil or dharma against dharma, according to the Hindu religion. According to local legends, the festival marks the defeat of the Balinese king Mayadenawa. The extremely powerful and undefeatable king did not let his subjects embrace or follow Hinduism. Finally, the Lord Indra defeated him in the bloody battle at Tampaksiring, Gianyar. It is believed that the King tried many tricks to escape defeat, including turning into stone and statue, but the Lord finally defeated him with his well-aimed arrow. The place where King Mayadenawa was killed is now the site of the Tirta Empul Temple.
Galungan in Bali Celebrations: Before the Festival
Bananas are Used as Decorations and Offerings of God During Galungan in Bali (Source)
Different days mark different rounds of celebrations and unique festivities of Galungan in Bali, lasting for around ten days. Three days before Galungan, on the Penyekeban day - bananas are prepared as offerings to the Gods. Penyekeban literally translates to 'the day to cover,' as the Balinese cover green bananas in clay pots to ripen them fast. The next day, the Penyejaan -fried rice cakes or jaja are made as offerings. The day before the festival, the Penampahan - chickens and pigs are slaughtered to prepare a huge feast. Some traditional food prepared on this day include satay and lawar - a pork preparation.
Galungan in Bali: During the Festival
Bamboo Poles are Decorated with Coconut Leaves, Lining the Streets of Bali During Galungan (Source)
Bamboo poles, strung with coconut leaves and other artifacts, lined the streets of Bali during the Galungan festival. The locals wear traditional clothes and decorate their houses and gates with traditional artwork. There are many temple festivities planned, like the Kuningan celebrations at the Sakenan Temple. Offerings of flowers and food are carried to the temple by both men and women folk. Many dance performances and rituals run throughout the day. Galungan day and the next day are usually spent visiting family and relatives. During Galungan, a popular ceremony is the Ngelawang or an exorcism. It is carried out a barong, who goes from house to house and is made offerings of money, to rid the house of any evil and restore the good.
Post-Galungan in Bali, Kuningan
Kuningan is Celebrated 10 Days After Galungan (Source)
It is believed that the spirits of ancestors descend upon Bali during the Galungan festival, and the locals organize a variety of offerings and rituals during the festival to honor these spirits. The Kuningan, observed 10 days after Galungan Day, is the day on which it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors who had come down for the celebrations would return to their holy abodes. The Balinese people prepare special offerings of yellow rice on this day.
Best Temples For Observing Galungan in Bali
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, One of the Best Temples to Celebrate Galungan in Bali (Source)
One of the best temples that comes alive during the Galungan in Bali is the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which is one of the largest temples on the island. The Pura Besaikh is also another famous temple, as is Penglipuran. The Sanekan temple also hosts many celebrations, especially during the Kuningan.
The Galungan festival in Bali is a delightful experience. It is great to be a part of the festive atmosphere, understand its significance to the Balinese people's culture, tradition, and religious beliefs, and celebrate this unique festival with them.
