Galungan: A Celebration of Triumph and Tradition in Bali

Galungan is a vibrant Balinese festival that celebrates the triumph of dharma (good) over adharma (evil), marking a time for renewal and reflection. Let’s discover more about Galungan on this article!

Galungan is one of Bali's most important religious festivals, a time when Balinese Hindus celebrate the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). The festival features ornate offerings, colorful decorations, and the iconic penjors—bamboo poles adorned with fruits and rice—gracing the streets and homes. During Galungan, you can discover the rich tapestry of Balinese culture, from traditional ceremonies and dances to communal feasts filled with local delicacies. Families come together to honor their ancestors, creating a profound sense of connection and gratitude. The festival culminates in Kuningan, when spirits return to the heavens, offering a moment to reflect on the cycle of life and the importance of harmony in the community. Each aspect of Galungan is a reminder of the balance between the spiritual and the earthly, making it a truly enchanting experience.

Three Holy Days

The Galungan Festival usually lasts for 10 days but the peak of the festival takes place on 3 holy days, each of which has a meaning and ritual:

1. Penampahan Galungan: The day before Galungan, known as Penampahan, is a time for preparations, both spiritually and practically. On this day, families clean and prepare their homes, create intricate offerings, and slaughter pigs or chickens as a symbol of sacrifice and gratitude.
2. Galungan Day: The main day of the festival is marked by prayers at family temples, where elaborate offerings are presented to the gods and ancestral spirits. The Balinese believe that on this day, the spirits of their ancestors return to earth to be honoured.
3. Umanis Galungan: The day after Galungan is Umanis Galungan, a day dedicated to visiting friends, family, and taking part in leisurely activities. People often enjoy this time by exploring the island, visiting temples, and sharing festive meals.

In my house we also celebrate Galungan. As Chinese-Balinese, we celebrate two holidays, both Chinese and Balinese. Galungan is one of them.

During Galungan, Mom and Dad will make offerings in several parts of the house including vehicles and rice containers. My aunt also makes various Balinese cakes, tum, lawar, and satay as offerings.

The History of the Galungan Festival

Galungan dates back to ancient Balinese mythology and the concept of dharma (order) versus adharma (chaos). It is said that the festival began as a way to commemorate the victory of Indra, a Hindu deity, over the malevolent king Mayadenawa, who sought to banish Hinduism from Bali. Mayadenawa’s defeat symbolised the triumph of righteousness, and the festival evolved into an expression of this enduring cosmic balance between good and evil.

Dharma defeated Adharma, illustration by Bing AI

Throughout the centuries, Galungan has remained an essential part of Balinese religious life. The preparations and offerings represent the devotion of the people to maintain harmony in the world and within themselves.

Why Is Galungan Celebrated?

Galungan is much more than a mere religious celebration. It serves as a reminder for the Balinese to maintain their faith in the triumph of good over evil. It is a time of reflection, where individuals renew their spiritual connections and take stock of their responsibilities in preserving balance within their community.

This festival also reinforces the strong sense of family and community that is central to Balinese culture. By gathering together to honour their ancestors and pray for guidance, the Balinese nurture their bonds with both the spiritual and physical worlds.

My family has celebrated Galungan since the time of our ancestors. For my family, celebrating Galungan is a form of gratitude for the health and blessings given while we are here. So Galungan also means a lot to us.

Traditions of Galungan

One of the most striking symbols of Galungan is the penjor, a tall bamboo pole decorated with palm leaves, fruits, and flowers, erected outside every household. The penjor symbolises prosperity and serves as a sign of gratitude to the gods for their blessings. In the past, penjor had a simple form. However, as time goes by, the form of penjor is getting more festive and luxurious with modern equipment.

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Families also make offerings known as banten/sodan, which include fruits, rice cakes, flowers, and coconut leaves arranged in intricate designs. These offerings are placed in temples and family shrines, and are seen as an expression of respect and devotion to the gods and ancestors.

Additionally, traditional music and dances, such as the Barong Ngelawang. It is believed that the Barong Ngelawang (usually barong benchung) tradition surrounds this settlement are performed to invoke protection and bring good fortune during the festival. The Barong itself represents the protector of the village and is believed to drive away evil spirits.

Galungan Food

Galungan is a time for feasting, and the food served during this festival holds cultural and religious significance. On Penampahan Galungan, meat dishes are prepared in abundance, including “lawar”, a mixture of minced meat, coconut, and spices, and babi goreng, Balinese-style fried pork.

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Vegetarian offerings are also made for the gods and ancestors, often featuring a variety of fresh fruits and traditional sweets such as jaja uli or sticky rice cake plus "tape ketan" sticky rice that is fermented to make it a sweet food.

These foods are not only enjoyed by families but also form part of the offerings given during prayers, symbolising gratitude and sharing of blessings.

Galungan Greetings

During Galungan, it is common to greet others with “Selamat Hari Galungan” (Happy Galungan Day). This simple yet heartfelt greeting expresses the joy and significance of the festival. It’s a way to wish prosperity and happiness to friends, family, and even strangers as they partake in the celebrations.

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Another popular phrase used is “Semoga kita selalu diberkahi dan berada dalam lindungan Hyang Widhi” which means “May we always be blessed and protected by God”. These greetings emphasise the spiritual essence of the festival and reflect the communal nature of Balinese society.

Conclusion

Galungan is a deeply spiritual celebration that not only highlights Bali's rich cultural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil. Through its vibrant traditions, sumptuous feasts, and solemn rituals, the festival binds families and communities together in a shared expression of faith and gratitude.

As the Balinese erect their penjors, offer prayers, and share festive meals, they reaffirm their commitment to upholding dharma in their everyday lives. Galungan is more than just a celebration; it is a way of life, a time to reflect, and a joyous reminder of the spiritual principles that guide the people of Bali.