Galungan is the time where families gather together to celebrate their special ceremony which takes place every six months according to the Balinese calendar. This day reminds people of the long lineage of their ancestors and the glorious history they share. This ceremony allows the Balinese to reconnect and renew their commitment to living a religious life and making a better future.

This year, 2019 Galungan ceremony is celebrated from 22nd July 2019 until 03rd August 2019. It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Dharma against Adharma. 

Galungan is celebrated for three days. The first day (Penampahan Galungan) is not an actual celebration, but a big preparation for the next days. There is a lot to be done, decorating temples, prepare offerings for gods and making food for ceremonies and so on. They have to make Penjors (Bamboo poles) and prepare Babi Guling for the ceremony. (Babi Guling is a local Balinese dish with roasted pork).

 

The streets will be decorated by the Penjor (Bamboo poles) with offerings suspended at the end. These are installed by the side of roads. It is a symbol of the bounty of the earth and a way for paying gratitude for all good things received from Nature.

The second day of Galungan is when all the ceremonies happen. Every family will have a ceremony at their family temple and will do several kinds of rituals and offerings with flowers, food and fruits. Everyone will be busy with religious rituals.

The third day is called Galungan Manis (‘Sweet Galungan’).  This is time is dedicated to the families to spend time together and celebrate and they may also have a big day-off to spend some quality time together. They will go to the beach and swim in the ocean. Swimming in the ocean is also a symbolic way to purify yourself from negative energy and bad spirits. It is believed that 10 days after Kuningan Prayers and offerings, spirits return to heaven.

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