Happy Galungan Kuningan 2025

Galungan Day is one of the most important religious celebrations for Balinese Hindus. On this day, Balinese people celebrate in a grand and meaningful way. But what exactly is Galungan? Galungan is a holy day celebrated every 210 days (based on the Balinese Pawukon calendar) by Hindus in Bali. It commemorates the creation of the universe and symbolizes the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). In essence, Galungan is an expression of gratitude from humans to God as the Creator.

What Balinese People Usually Do on Galungan Day?

Balinese communities usually carry out a series of preparations before Galungan. These preparations start three days prior and continue until Kuningan Day. The main activities include:

1. Penyekeban (Banana Ripening Day)

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Three days before Galungan, people prepare items needed for the offerings. Fruits especially bananas are stored to ensure they ripen perfectly in time for the ceremony. These fruits will later be included in the offerings presented on Galungan Day. 

2. Penyajaan (Making of Jaja / Balinese Cakes)

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Two days before Galungan, Balinese families prepare traditional cakes to be used as offerings. These include colorful rice cakes and various traditional Balinese sweets. Sometimes, modern snacks such as sponge cakes or wafers are added as well. Many families still make these cakes at home, though some choose to buy them at the market.

3. Penampahan (Feast Preparation Day)

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One day before Galungan, preparations focus on cooking food from animals that are traditionally allowed to be slaughtered excluding cows. Families also prepare the penjor, a tall bamboo pole decorated with young coconut leaves, flowers, and fruits. The penjor symbolizes Naga Basuki, representing prosperity and well-being. If you visit Bali during Galungan, you will see the streets beautifully lined with towering penjor.

4. Galungan Day (Praying and Offering)

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On Galungan Day itself, Balinese Hindus visit temples to pray. They wear traditional Balinese clothing and bring offerings as a sign of devotion and gratitude to God and their ancestors. The temples are filled with vibrant colors from the offerings, accompanied by the calming fragrance of burning incense.

5. Manis Galungan (Family Visits)

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The day after Galungan is known as Manis Galungan. Families visit relatives and friends, and many spend quality time together, often going on short holidays. This day strengthens family bonds and is believed to restore positive energy among the Balinese community.

6. Kuningan Day (Prayers to the Ancestors)

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Ten days after Galungan comes Kuningan Day. Balinese Hindus perform prayers and make offerings dedicated to their ancestors. It is believed that during Galungan, ancestral spirits descend to the earthly realm, and on Kuningan Day, they return to the spiritual world. The prayers help guide them back to their sacred place.

7. Manis Kuningan (Last Celebration)

The day after Kuningan is a relaxing time for Balinese families. They enjoy peaceful moments together, marking the end of the Galungan and Kuningan festivities.