Galungan: celebrating a Hindu ceremony in Bali

Occurring once in every 210 days in the pawukon (Balinese cycle of days), Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is celebrated by all Balinese. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them. Those families who have ancestors that have not yet been cremated, but are still buried in the village cemetery, must make offerings at the graves.

pouring rain

This is one of the major balinese hindi holidays and we got to observe while here. It was pretty neat to experience the celebration at the guest house we are staying at through our guesthouse family here in Ubud. The day before they decorated their penjor (a tall bamboo pole that they place in front of the home). The family also spent hours decorating the family temple and preparing offerings.

Family temple all decorated for Galungan

We dressed in sarongs and sashes and watched all the people walk around delivering their offerings to the different temples. All in all it was a really fun day.

penjor and decorated shrine in front of a house on the street I am staying

penjors galore

Base of the penjors and the women making offerings

At the temple praying after making offerings

What the offerings look like

The family dressed in their Galungan best (with Jasmine)