* Galungan Ceremony

Galungan and Kuningan Ceremony

Ten days between Galungan and Kuningan days, or exactly from October 14 - 24 2009 Balinese Hindus are celebrating the victory days of good over evil. These celebrations are the most important in the Pawukon calendar. However the most religious celebration is conducted on Galungan Day, which falls on October 14, 2009 This month of year is a chance to see this beautiful island at it is the prettiest since all house compounds and entrance gates are decorated with Penjor, the long, over-hanging bamboo poles decorated with elaborate creations carved and woven from leaves and natural fibers. Schools close and commerce ceases, as attention focuses solely on the devotional activities associated with this special holiday. During Galungan, it is believed that the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes where they must be entertained and given offerings. Offerings are also made at the gravesides of those awaiting cremation and their final release into the world of spirits. Three days before Galungan is called Penyekeban day, which falls on Sunday, October 11, 2009– the day on which to cover up fermented cakes. Green bananas are sealed in large clay pots and covered with coconut husk in order to ripen them quickly: huge quantities of bananas are required for Galungan offerings. Likewise, Penyajaan day, which falls two days before Galungan Day, or exactly occurred on Monday, October 12, 2009. The day is devoted to making many colored cakes of fried rice dough. These are much loved by the Balinese and are used as offerings in numerous ceremonies. Mountains of these cakes can be seen in markets, as a busy housewife will often not have time to make them herself.

One day before Galungan is called Penampahan day, which falls on Tuesday, October 13,2009 when many pigs are slaughtered for the traditional Galungan morning feast. An essential feature of the menu is the traditional lawar, a spicy hash made of finely chopped pork and dozens of spices. The preparation to make dozens of sticks of the traditional Balinese satay is also done in this slaughter day for the mourning feast and for making the offering to the dead people, which have not been cremated yet. The following day of Galungan is Umanis Galungan, which falls on Thursday, October 15, 2009 when the devotional duties and feasting are over and families take to the road to visit families and friends and really get into the holiday spirit. The celebration of the triumph days will last on Kuningan Day, which falls ten days after. It is actually falls on August 30, 2008, when the colorful offering are also offered by every house compound throughout Bali Island. During the first and second week of May this year is an absolute great experience not to be missed while you are spending your great holiday in Bali.