Galungan & Kuningan

Galungan is celebrated by Hindus every 6 months in Bali (210 days), namely on the Buddhist day of Kliwon Dungulan (Wednesday Kliwon wuku Dungulan) as the day of the victory of Dharma (truth) against Adharma (evil). The celebration of Galungan Day is identical with the penjor which is installed on the side of the road, adorning the highway with a natural nuance. In this modern era, especially as a tourism destination, the island of Bali is often highlighted as a beautiful and religious island. (Penjor is bamboo that is decorated in such a way according to local Balinese traditions).

There is also Galungan Day, which is a day where Hindus commemorate the creation of the universe and all its contents. And celebrate the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma). As thanksgiving, Hindus give and make offerings to Sang Hyang Widhi and Lord Bhatara (with all its manifestations). Penjor installed on the side of the road (every house) itself is a rule before Bhatara Mahadewa (as quoted from Wikipedia).

Galungan and Kuningan are celebrated twice a year in the Gregorian calendar (the calendar we usually use). The distance between Galungan and Kuningan itself is 10 days. The calculation of the celebration of the two holidays is based on the Balinese calendar. Galungan every Wednesday in the Dungulan wuku. Meanwhile, Kuningan is every Saturday in the Kuningan month. In 2016, Galungan was celebrated on 10 February 2016 and 7 September 2016. Kuningan in 2016 was celebrated on 20 February 2016 and 17 September 2016.

Hindus in Bali celebrate Galungan by praying at Padanggalak Beach, Denpasar. Illustration of Hindus in Bali celebrating Galungan by praying at Padanggalak Beach, Denpasar The meaning of Galungan and Kuningan Day Philosophically, Galungan Day is intended so that Hindus are able to distinguish the life urges between adharma and buddhi atma (dharma = truth) within humans themselves. Happiness can be achieved when you have the ability to master the truth. Viewed from the side of the ceremony, it is a moment for Hindus to remind both spiritually and ritually to always fight adharma and uphold dharma. It can be concluded that the essence of Galungan is to unite spiritual strength so that Hindus can get a clear stance and mind, which is a form of dharma in humans.