Galungan and Kuningan are two of the most important religious festivals in Bali, celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar. These events honor the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma) and mark the time when ancestral spirits return to Earth to visit their families.
Galungan: Welcoming the spirit
Galungan is the first day of the ten-day celebration, symbolizing the triumph of dharma. It is believed that on this day, ancestral spirits descend from the heavens to be honored by their living relatives. The festival is marked by elaborate offerings, rituals, and the decoration of homes and streets with penjor—tall bamboo poles adorned with palm leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Balinese Hindus prepare offerings known as banten, which are placed at family shrines and temples. Villages and towns come alive with religious ceremonies, and families gather to pray, reflecting on the eternal battle between good and evil. It’s also a time for cleansing and purification, where Balinese homes and temples are thoroughly cleaned to welcome the spirits.
Kuningan: Farewell to the Spirits
Kuningan, celebrated ten days after Galungan, signifies the departure of the ancestral spirits back to their realm. Yellow rice, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude, is a key offering on this day. The Balinese believe that by noon on Kuningan, the spirits will return to the heavens, and families hold prayers to ensure their safe journey back.
Unlike the more energetic atmosphere of Galungan, Kuningan is a quieter and more reflective day. Families visit temples, express gratitude, and ask for continued blessings and protection.
The Festivals’ Spiritual Significance
Both Galungan and Kuningan highlight the importance of maintaining balance between good and evil in life. They are a reminder to stay committed to virtuous living and uphold spiritual values. These festivals bring the Balinese community together in worship, reflection, and celebration of life’s blessings.
For visitors, witnessing Galungan and Kuningan provides a unique opportunity to experience Bali’s vibrant spiritual culture. The streets lined with penjor, the beautiful traditional attire, and the ceremonies in temples showcase the deep religious and cultural heritage of the island.
