Galungan and Kuningan Days in Bali

Galungan and Kuningan days in Bali

These Hindu events are part of the religious celebrations in the Pawukon cycle.  The ancestors of each family return to earth home during this time and they must be welcomed and entertained with prayers and offerings.  Families with deceased relatives who are buried and have not yet cremated, thus not yet deified must make offerings at their graves.

During this period of time, all villages make elaborate preparations.  Penjors [long bamboo poles with colorfull decoration] are hung and many varieties of offerings are erected everywhere.   

Penyekeban Day, Sunday

The Sunday before Galungan Day is called ‘Penyekeban’ this word from ‘sekeb’ means to cover up.  On this day all items that will be used for offerings like green bananas are sealed in huge clay pots upon which a small coconut husk fire burns and this treatment ripens them quickly.  This penyekeban day is a time to prepare the spirit to welcome Galungan day, have to restrain the anger and desire due to ‘Sang Kala Tiga’ – three kinds of demons or evils spirits.  These are called Bhuta Galungan which is ‘Bhuta Dengen’ will land on Penyajaan day on Monday, ‘Bhuta Amangkurat on Penampahan day on Tuesday, and Bhuta Galungan on Wednesday which is on the climax day.

Penyajaan Day, Monday

Is a time to prepare the colored cakes like fried rice dough, called ‘Jaja’.  The village markets are full of ‘Jajee’ of every description. 

Penampahan Day, Tuesday

The day before Galungan, called ‘Penampahan’ which comes from the word ‘nampah’ [to slaughter an animal], pigs, ducks or chickens are killed for the traditional Galungan morning feasts.  Featured at these feasts is the traditional ‘lawar’ a spicy hash made of finely meat.  Five different kinds of hash are prepared, as such ‘sates’.  On this day time to make offerings called ‘caru’ or ‘Pelabaan’–scarification to the Bhutas, it placed at shrine of the guard house and at the house entrance. This is to symbolize the neutralization ‘bhuana agung’–of macro cosmos and ‘bhuana alit’-micro cosmos.

Galungan Day, Wednesday

This main day, it’s a time to pray.  The offerings come to the temples and pemerajans (family shrines) to give thanks to the Supreme God for the victory of good spirits over bad spirits, praying to God for forgiveness and peace on earth. 

Manis Galungan Day, Thursday

This day called Manis Galungan, because it falls on the day ‘Umanis’ which is first of the fifth day on the lunar calendar.  This is the time for visiting friends.