Hari Raya Galungan and Hari Raya Kuningan September 16/26, 2020 Galungan is a one of the most important holidays for the Balinese people, second only to Nyepi. This is a time of great celebration, transforming the island into a festive, colourful and bustling haven of activity. Galungan celebrates the creation of the universe and the triumph of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). It also marks the beginning of the 210 day Balinese Pawukon year. Festivities start on Hari Raya Galungan which celebrates deities and ancestral spirits of deceased relatives descending to Earth and lasts 10 days until the Kuningan celebration, which symbolizes the deities ascending to the heavens again. The spirits of deceased relatives return to visit their former homes and the Balinese have a responsibility to be hospitable and welcoming to their past ancestors through prayers and offerings in their homes. Temples and houses are decorated with colourful features and “penjor� – tall, finely decorated bamboo trunks with corn cobs, plaited palm leaves, yellow or white fabric and young coconut shoots and offerings suspended from them, which line roads and houses. The tallest penjors symbolize mountains which are considered the best places for prayers as they are closest to the gods. 9
| BALIPLUS September 2020
