Galungan and Kuningan: Welcoming Ancestral Spirits for 10 Days
Galungan and Kuningan: Welcoming Ancestral Spirits for 10 Days
Ancestor spirits return every 210 days. Penjor (bamboo poles) adorn the streets during Bali's most vibrant festival.
Galungan and Kuningan represent the most important and festive period in the Balinese Hindu calendar, enveloping the entire island in a celebratory mood. Based on the 210-day Wuku calendar, it celebrates the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma) and welcomes ancestral spirits back to the earthly realm. During this festival, towering, ornate bamboo poles called 'Penjor' are erected in front of every home, creating a spectacular sight throughout Bali. People dress in their finest traditional clothes, visit temples for prayers, and share feasts with family and relatives. This sacred celebration lasts for ten days, concluding on Kuningan, when the ancestral spirits are believed to return to the heavens. It's the most joyous time for the Balinese, a period dedicated to reaffirming faith, family ties, and community solidarity.
Galungan: The Day Good Triumphs Over Evil
The origin of Galungan is linked to the mythological battle between the benevolent god Indra and the tyrannical king Mayadenawa. Mayadenawa forbade the worship of Hindu gods and caused great suffering until Indra defeated him, restoring peace and justice (Dharma) to the world. Galungan commemorates this victory. It is also believed that on this day, ancestral spirits return to their family homes. Families meticulously clean their houses and prepare special offerings to warmly welcome and entertain their ancestors. People reflect on the victory of good over evil, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their inner goodness. Galungan holds profound significance for the Balinese, akin to a spiritual 'New Year.'
Penjor: Gratitude to Heaven Adorning the Streets
As Galungan approaches, giant bamboo poles called 'Penjor' begin to appear along Bali's roadsides. The gracefully arching top of the bamboo is adorned with woven young coconut leaf decorations called 'Sampian,' while the stalk is decorated with rice stalks, fruits, flowers, and cakes. The shape of the Penjor symbolizes Bali's sacred Mount Agung, expressing gratitude to the gods for the abundance of nature. The drooping tip is said to represent humility and the return of nature's bounty back to the earth. The arches formed by rows of Penjor in front of homes seem to welcome the ancestral spirits descending from heaven. This magnificent display is a unique hallmark of the Galungan festival.
Kuningan: The Day Ancestral Spirits Return to Heaven
'Kuningan' takes place ten days after Galungan. This day marks the time when the ancestral spirits, having visited their descendants, return to the celestial realm. 'Kuningan' means 'yellow,' and fittingly, special offerings including yellow rice (nasi kuning) colored with Turmeric are prepared. Yellow is a sacred color symbolizing the god Vishnu, associated with wealth and prosperity. It's believed that the ancestral spirits are only present on earth until noon, so all ceremonies and prayers for Kuningan must be completed before midday. People bid farewell to their ancestors with gratitude, praying for their happiness in the afterlife and for their continued blessings upon the living descendants. This day concludes the grand series of Galungan festivities.
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