Galungan is the most important day for the Balinese. According to history, Galungan is about the victory of dharma over adharma. Or we can say Balinese celebrating the victory of good over the evil. This celebration is also to give honor to the creation of the universe Ida Sang Hyang Widi .
Galungan is held twice a year, and always a Wednesday. But, if you are trying search in Georgian calendar you will not found it, because Balinese celebrate Galungan according to the Balinese calendar that only has 210 days per year. At Galungan the spirit of the ancestors go down to earth and come home to visit their family.
Tuesday before the d-day of Galungan, Balinese will erect Penjor to show their gratitude and hospitality to the ancestor as the house owner. If you have ever seen the regularly penjor, in this day you will see the amazing penjor with luxury decoration.
Just like most Balinese celebration, the preparation always take a place.
Penyekeban : The day to cover-up
Three days before Galungan day. Balinese will make an offering with fruits, but the most important fruit for them is banana because Balinese consider that Banana has the least ego, even though we cut it, it will grow and still gives the vulnerability of other creatures. Penyekeban has significance that human must reduce their ego so they can get closer with Ida Sang Hyang Widi.
Penyajaan : Time to make Balinese cake
Two days beforehand Galungan. Balinese will make traditional cake known as Jaja that are made from colorful fried rice that will complete the offerings. Penyajaan has the significance that humans can make something sweet that can be use in daily life.
Penampahan : The day of Sacrifice
The day before Galungan, this day Balinese will sacrifice a pig to be slaughtered. This day will be a big day for Balinese because they cook the good thing for tomorrow. Penampahan has the significance that human must kill their bad habit. In Bali, the pig is symbolized as laziness, so slaughter the pig has meant that human slaughter the laziness either.
Galungan Day
The d-day, this day people will go to the temple and bring everything that they already made the days before. They will pray together and usually Balinese go back to their village to pray together with their family. This day women are seen carrying the offerings on their head.
The day After Galungan
This day Balinese will visit their close friend or visit their family.
Kuningan : The end of Galungan
The tenth day after Galungan, Balinese believe that this day the spirit of the ancestral will back to heaven. So, Balinese will make yellow rice offerings.
