Galungan and Kuningan
Turn Your Bali Holiday into a Cultural Journey during Galungan and Kuningan
If you’re one for cultural immersion, there’s no denying that Bali is the place to be. And if you just so happen to be planning your Indonesian getaway around the Balinese-Hindu holidays of Galungan and Kuningan, all the better.
What Are Galungan And Kuningan?
Whether you’re a holidaymaker all the way from Australia or a traveler from within the Southeast Asian region, you may have only heard whispers of Galungan and Kuningan. At their core, these Balinese-Hindu holidays celebrate the triumph of dharma (or good) over adharma (or evil). It also represents a time when the spirit of ancestors visit their earth-side kin.
Balinese locals prepare for Galungan by carefully crafting floral bamboo poles—referred to as penjor—as well as baking traditional treats and even sacrificing whole pigs. The region is transformed into an artistic and familial paradise, making it an ideal time for visitors from all over.
Galungan generally happens twice a year, with each celebration lasting 10 days. Families join together, visit temples and even go on trips together to celebrate. One of the Tumpek Holidays, Tumpek Kuningan, better known as Kuningan, takes place at the end of the Galungan holiday period, showcasing a time when the ancestral spirits return to the place from which they came.
Traveling In Bali During Galungan And Kuningan
Well, if you’re worried whether the power of good will affect your travels, fret not. The Galungan and Kuningan periods are a happy time for Indonesian people. The streets are adorned fancifully and the locals are ripe with glee. Moreover, many shops remain open, so you can get all your sundries at a moment’s notice.
As a Bali holidaymaker yourself, you’ll surely be left with memories unlike any other, and wind up with photos of Galungan and Kuningan that you’ll get to show off to everyone at home.
More Balinese Holidays
The Balinese know how to celebrate and their pakuwon cycle is filled with holidays and ceremonies. Learn more about Nyepi Day and other festivities in the Balinese Holidays section of our website.