Galungan is a Balinese Hindu festival that is celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar, it’s an important religious and social event in Bali, Indonesia. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, and the time when the spirits of deceased ancestors come to visit the earth. It is a time of purification and self-reflection, and is celebrated with a series of ceremonies and offerings.
During Galungan, Balinese Hindus will build and decorate elaborate bamboo poles called “penjor” that are placed in front of their houses. These penjor are decorated with various offerings and decorations such as fruits, flowers, and traditional fabrics. Families will also prepare traditional food and offerings for the spirits of their ancestors.
Galungan is also a time for ceremonies and prayers, and many Balinese Hindus will make offerings and participate in rituals at their local temples. It’s a time for socializing and visiting with friends and family, many people will also prepare traditional foods and drinks to be shared with their neighbors and community.
It’s also a time to visit the graves of loved ones, to clean and make offerings to the spirit of their ancestors. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending with a celebration called “Kuningan” which marks the end of the ancestors visit and they return to the spiritual realm.