Galungan


Galungan is a Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma. It marks the time when the ancestral spirits visit the Earth. The last day of the celebration is Kuningan, when they return. The date is calculated according to the 210-day Balinese calendar. It is related to Diwali, celebrated by Hindus in other parts of the world, which also celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma. Diwali, however, is held at the end of the year.

Significance

Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremonies. The spirits of deceased relatives who have died and been cremated return to visit their former homes, and the current inhabitants have a responsibility to be hospitable through prayers and offerings. The most obvious sign of the celebrations are the penjor - bamboo poles with offerings suspended at the end. These are installed by the side of roads. A number of days around the Kuningan day have special names, and are marked by the organization of particular activities.
Name of dayActivities
3 days beforePenyekebanCooking of bananas for offerings
2 days beforePenyajaanMaking of jaja
1 day beforePenampahanSlaughtering of pigs or chicken for feasts
1 day afterManis GalunganVisiting family
10 days afterKuninganPrayers, offerings - spirits return to heaven
11 days afterManis KuninganFun

Dates

Galungan begins on the Wednesday of Dunggulan, the 11th week of the 210-day pawukon calendar. This means that there are often two celebrations per solar year. Dates for 2018-2020 are as follows:
YearGalunganKuningan
2018May 30June 9
2018-2019December 26January 5
2019July 24August 3
2020February 19February 29
2020September 16September 26