Discovering Galungan in Bali: A Celebration of Goodness and Harmony
We feel so lucky to see our first Galungan celebration here in Bali and we've been watching the preparations happen all around our village as the run up to the celebration see's Bali looking even more beautiful than ever. The offerings are extra colourful and fuller, the streets are lined with bamboo decorations everywhere. It's been beautiful walking around the village to see the Penjor being made and then put up along the streets and outside of homes. As if Bali needed another excuse to make itself prettier than she already is.
The night before Galungan, the men and boys post the penjor in the ground by the entrance of the family home. More about the penjor a little below.
The whole celebration is a time for spiritual unity and reflection, where the aim is to achieve peaceful thoughts and convictions. Additionally, it celebrates the victory of dharma (truth) over adharma (evil). These notions are definitely one of the pulls of Bali for us as we navigate a spiritual awakening. One of working with frequency and energy and raising consciousness. And so, it's been beautiful to watch as Bali prepares for Galungan. Watch my quick walk around the village to see the preparations of Galungan.
What is Galungan?
Galungan is one of the most significant and vibrant celebrations in Bali, Indonesia, marked by a unique blend of cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and community togetherness.
Galungan is a time when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return to Earth, allowing families to honour and celebrate their heritage. The festival is rich with cultural practices that emphasise community, spirituality, and the importance of family ties.
This sacred holiday, which occurs every 210 days in accordance with the Balinese calendar, celebrates the victory of dharma (goodness) over adharma (evil) and is deeply rooted in the island's Hindu traditions. If you're planning to experience Galungan or simply want to learn more about this enchanting celebration, this guide will walk you through its significance, traditions, and calendar of events. The celebration involves offerings to Sang Hyang Widhi (the Supreme God) and Dewa Bhatara (the gods and goddesses in their various manifestations) as expressions of gratitude.
The Significance of Galungan
Galungan symbolises the time when the spirits of deceased ancestors visit the living. It is a period for Balinese Hindus to honour their ancestors, reflect on their spiritual lives, and seek blessings for their families and communities. The celebration spans ten days, culminating in the festival of Kuningan, which marks the end of the celebration.
Key Themes of Galungan
Dharma vs. Adharma: Galungan is a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil in the world.
Family and Community: It emphasises the importance of family bonds and community unity through shared rituals and celebrations.
Cultural Heritage: The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bali, reflected in art, music, dance, and culinary traditions.
Galungan is a time for:
Spiritual Reflection: A chance to reconnect with spiritual roots and reflect on life’s moral values.
Family Unity: Emphasises the importance of family gatherings and communal activities.
Cultural Heritage: Showcases Bali's rich traditions through rituals, music, and dance.
Calendar of Events
While the exact dates for Galungan change each year due to the Balinese lunar calendar, the festivities generally come every 6 months. Galungan is from Wed, Sep 25, 2024 – Sat, Oct 5, 2024. Here is the calendar for 2024:
Galungan Calendar for September 2024
Key Dates
Hari Raya Galungan falls on 2 key dates in 20204: Wednesday, February 28th, and Wednesday, September 25th. We're here for the September Celebration. One of the distinctive features of the Galungan celebration is the installation of penjor, tall bamboo poles decorated with offerings, lining the streets and creating a natural ambiance. That we've been seeing all week being made, asembled and put up by locals.
Preparation Days
Leading up to Galungan, families prepare by creating beautiful penjor (decorative bamboo poles) and traditional offerings (banten). The atmosphere in markets and villages becomes lively as everyone gets ready for the celebration.
Post-Galungan Events
Family Reunions:
The days following Galungan are typically spent visiting extended family, sharing meals, and exchanging stories about ancestral heritage.
Temple Offerings:
Throughout the week following Kuningan, families continue to make offerings at local temples, further honouring their ancestors.
Celebratory Traditions
1. Penjor Decoration
The streets and homes of Bali are adorned with penjor— it looks so pretty. Decorative bamboo poles that are elegantly curved and decorated with offerings. These are placed outside homes and temples as a symbol of respect for the gods and ancestors.
2. Traditional Offerings (Banten)
Families prepare a variety of offerings called banten, which include fruits, cakes, and incense. These offerings are made to express gratitude and seek blessings for prosperity and harmony.
3. Family Gatherings and Feasts
Galungan is a time for family reunions, where relatives come together to enjoy traditional Balinese dishes, such as Babi Guling (suckling pig), Lawar (mixed meat salad), and various sweet treats.
4. Cultural Performances
Throughout the festival, traditional Balinese dance performances and gamelan music echo in the temples and public spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere of joy and reverence.
Conclusion
Experiencing Galungan in Bali has so far been a really special time. We'e heading out for a walk to look at the penjor and visit a temple to see the locals in their beautiful clothing. We'll share pictures here. This is the island's rich cultural heritage, spiritual practices, and communal values and Galungan is a celebration that brings together the past, present, and future in a beautiful tapestry of life, love, and spirituality.
This is the heart and soul of Bali. And THIS is the reason why we came.
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