In the Balinese Calendar's 210-day cycle, Galungan marks the time of year when ancestors' spirits visit the earth.
It is when Balinese Hindus perform rituals welcoming and entertaining these returning spirits.
There is nothing eerie about it. In fact, you'll see house compounds that make up the nucleus of Balinese society coming alive with prayers from the families. Offering bountiful sacrifices of food and flowers to the ancestral spirits, they express their gratitude and hope for protection. These sacrifices are also offered at local temples, which are packed with devotees.
The whole island is covered in tall bamboo poles, or penjor, usually decorated with fruit, coconut leaves, and flowers and set up on the right hand side of every residence's entrance. At each gate, you'll also find small bamboo altars set up especially for the holiday, each one bearing woven palm-leaf offerings for the spirits. The offerings, the penjor, and the temples are decorating Balinese homes. And the Sunday best outfits the Balinese wear? Yes, they are all for the Gods and ancestor to enjoy.
As one of the most important feasts for the Balinese Hindus, the Galungan festival is celebrated to honor the creator of the universe (Ida Sang Hyang Widi) and the spirits of the honoured ancestors. Galungan also symbolizes the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma) and encourages the Balinese to show their gratitude with offerings and prayers. Galungan lasts for ten days, with a day called Kuningan, believed to be the day when the spirits return to heaven. On this day, the Balinese people make special offerings of yellow rice.
During Galungan, some local restaurants ride the rising demand for Balinese food by offering specials on all sorts of local dishes. This is a great time to try Balinese food for the first time, if you can stomach the herbs and spices! On the downside, many places are closed for Galungan or operating limited hours.
Other renowned Bali festivals and ceremonies such as Melasti, Sarasvati, or the big and silent Nyepi day are just as mesmerizing and can be read about here: Most Important Ceremonies in Bali. If you happen to be here during one of the big festivals, you're in luck. Enjoy your holiday, and make sure you follow us for all the fun events and happenings in and around the island. Don't forget to check our What's New Indonesia for Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung happenings.
Thank you for staying in touch with us, and the Island of the Gods.
Cheers,
Tressabel Hutasoit
Editor What's New Bali | 
