Galungan is a Balinese holiday, a celebration to honor Ida Sang Hyang Widi, the creator of the universe and the spirits of the honored ancestors. Balinese Hindus perform rituals that are meant to welcome and entertain these returning spirits. Families offer sacrifices of food and flowers at the local temples to the spirits, expressing gratitude and hopes for protection.
Galungan occurs once in the 210-day cycle of the Balinese calendar, twice a Gregorian year roughly every six months.
If you happen to be on the island around this time you will be welcomed by decorated streets around Bali. The whole island sprouts tall bamboo poles called “penjor”. Traditionally, these are decorated with fruit, coconut leaves, and flowers, and set up on the right of every residence entrance.
Next Galungan is November 1 – November 11 2017
