What is Galungan Day?

The day commemorated at the victory day of “Dharma” (virtue) upon “Adharma” (evil) according to the old history of Bali (purana). This day the Hindus thank the God and feel grateful for His blessing and for the creation of the earth and its contents. This day is the day of rituals, festivities and celebrations with “Penjor” the artistically decorated bamboo pole struck at every house entrance, adorning the both sides of the village-roads symbolizing of prosperity.

There are several processions need to be done to celebrate Galungan Day :

Penyekeban (3 days before Galungan)

On this day, people begin to prepare the necessities for the Galungan ceremony. They collect fruits and store them in a special place until they get ripe.

Penyajahan (2 days before Galungan)

On Penyajahan day, people keep on maintaining awareness, patience and the purity of the soul in order to control the demons. Another meaning of Penyajahan is making or cooking Balinese cake (jaja). Therefore, on this day, people have to cook various kinds of Balinese cakes for the ceremony to come.

Penampahan (1 day before Galungan)

This is a sacrificial day. This is the day to slaughter sacrificial animals like chikens, ducks or pigs. People cook them into various kinds of Balinese food, such as satay, soup, lawar (a special Balinese food made of meat or vegetables, mixed with coconut sauce).
Galungan Day

On the Galungan day itself, Balinese Hindus go to temples and other holy places to pray. People are dressed in colorful Balinese costume. Women carry the offerings on their heads and men bring palm leave offerings in their hands, while the children walk hand in hand next to their parents.

Manis Galungan (1 day after Galungan)

On this day, balinese Hindu communities usually visit their relatives, friends and neighbors. They forgive each other and remain together. It is also a day to relax and visit places of interest, after the long days of preparations for the celebration.