Galungan

Galungan, one of the most important Balinese festivals, is the culmination of celebrations held in honour of the creator and ancestral spirits.

According to Balinese Hinduism, Ida Sang Hyang Widi is the creator of the universe. During these celebrations, the spirits of the ancestors are believed to return to the earth, thus marking the start of many Balinese festivals.

With the return of these ancestral spirits to their former homes, the locals are expected to demonstrate kindness by making offerings and chanting prayers. Visitors touring Bali during Galungan will notice the tall bamboo poles that line the streets and roads. The bamboo poles, locally referred to as ‘penjor’, are used to hang offerings as a kind gesture towards the spirits.

The poles have colourful decorations, often including fruits, flowers, and leaves from the coconut tree. On the other hand, the offerings will consist of special foods, scented flowers, and woven palm offerings. These sacrifices are offered at home and the local temples (referred to as pura). Women will be seen with their offerings carried on their heads, while the men will carry palm leaves to the temple.

More importantly, a couple of days before and after the celebrations are accorded specific names, each dependent on the activities carried out in honour of the celebrations. The dates will vary yearly simply because Balinese traditional ceremonies are observed in line with the Balinese calendar.

At the end of the celebrations, the ancestral spirits return to their home, marked by offerings of yellow rice to mark the end of Galungan.