Hi Travelers, as we enter September, where are your holiday destinations? Do you want to experience the holiday vibes abroad, or do you want to feel the rich traditions in Bali? If you choose Bali this September, it is a perfect choice for you. This September, the Hindu community in Bali will celebrate Galungan and Kuningan, making this entire month filled with a series of days in preparation for Galungan, which will make Bali rich in cultural atmosphere.
You should know that the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations are the most sacred series of holidays for the Balinese Hindu community. These celebrations symbolize the victory of Dharma (goodness) over Adharma (evil) and are filled with various rituals and ceremonies that have deep meanings. This series starts with Sugihan Jawa and Sugihan Bali, continues with Penampahan Galungan, Galungan, Penampahan Kuningan, and ends with Kuningan. Rief Travel will explain the philosophy, customs, and celebration times of each of these days:
- Sugihan Jawa (6 Days Before Galungan)
The series of days begins 6 days before Galungan, precisely on Thursday Wage wuku Sungsang according to the Balinese calendar. Sugihan Jawa comes from the word “sugi,” which means cleaning, and “Jawa,” which refers to the origin of mankind, namely the universe. This day is the time to clean the external environment as a symbol of cleansing the living world from all impurities and negative things. It is also a time to recall the origin of humans and the universe.
On Sugihan Jawa, Balinese Hindus will perform the Mererebu or Mererebon ceremony, which is intended to neutralize all negative things in the Bhuana Agung (macrocosm), symbolized by cleaning houses, sacred places, and yards. They sweep, mop, and beautify the surroundings as a form of respect for nature.
- Sugihan Bali (5 Days Before Galungan)
Sugihan Bali is held on Friday Kliwon wuku Sangsan, which is 5 days before Galungan. Sugihan Bali is the time to cleanse oneself both spiritually and physically as preparation for Galungan. “Bali” in this context refers to the self, meaning the purification of the soul and body from all stains and sins.
On this day, Balinese Hindus perform self-cleaning rituals. The procedure includes bathing, physical cleansing, and asking for Tirta Gocara from Sulinggih as a symbolic purification of the soul and body. It is also a time for introspection and preparing oneself to go through the series of Galungan ceremonies.
- Penyajaan (2 Days Before Galungan)
Next is Penyajaan day, which falls on Monday Pon duku Dungulan. Penyajaan comes from the word ‘saja’ in Balinese, which means ‘serious’ or ‘sincere.’ This day has the philosophy of solidifying oneself to celebrate Galungan. It is believed that on this day, people will be tempted by Sang Bhuta Dungulan to test the level of self-control of the Balinese Hindu community as they approach Galungan.
On this day, Balinese Hindus begin making jajan (traditional cakes) that will be used as offerings on Galungan day. They also make canang, banten, and other ceremonial necessities.
- Penampahan Galungan (A Day Before Galungan)
Penampahan day arrives a day before Galungan or on Tuesday Wage wuku Dungulan. Penampahan Galungan is the day when Balinese Hindus fight the forces of adharma within themselves. “Penampahan” comes from the word “tampah,” which means slaughter, referring to the slaughter of animals as a symbol of eliminating bad traits.
On this day, Balinese Hindus slaughter pigs, which are then processed into various traditional dishes such as lawar and sate. This ritual symbolizes sacrifice and self-preparation to welcome the ancestral spirits that will descend on Galungan. Additionally, the Balinese people will create a penjor made of curved bamboo, which is intricately decorated. Penjor symbolizes an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for all the blessings received so far.
According to Balinese Hindu belief, on Penampahan day, it is believed that the ancestors will visit their descendants in the world. Therefore, people also prepare special offerings intended for the ancestors who “visit” them in their homes.
- Galungan Day
Galungan day is the peak of this series of celebrations. Galungan day falls on Wednesday Kliwon Dunggulan in the Balinese calendar and is celebrated every 210 days. Galungan is the main holiday in this series, symbolizing the victory of Dharma over Adharma.
On this day, Balinese Hindus begin by praying at home and then continue to the surrounding temples. Additionally, those who are away from home will ‘return home’ to their native areas to take the time to pray in their birthplaces. For those who have family members still in Makingsan di Pertiwi or buried, it is mandatory to bring offerings to the cemetery with the term Mamunjung ka Setra (visit the grave) during Galungan day.
- Penampahan Kuningan (A Day Before Kuningan)
After Galungan, there is Penampahan Kuningan, celebrated a day before Kuningan, which falls on Friday. Penampahan Kuningan is the day of preparation before Kuningan. It is a time to continue self-cleansing and prepare offerings for Kuningan day.
On this day, similar to Penampahan Galungan, Balinese Hindus slaughter animals and prepare offerings. Penampahan Kuningan is also a time to purify the ceremonial tools that will be used on Kuningan day.
- Kuningan Day
Kuningan day falls on Saturday Kliwon Kuningan, exactly ten days after Galungan. Kuningan is the closing of this series of celebrations, where Balinese Hindus end the visit of the ancestors with special offerings. The word “Kuningan” comes from “kuning,” symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
On Kuningan day, Balinese Hindus will install tamiang, kolem, and ending. Tamiang symbolizes the weapon of Lord Vishnu as it resembles a chakra. Kolem symbolizes the weapon of Lord Mahadeva, while Endong symbolizes the provision bag used by the Deities and Ancestors when fighting against adharma. Tamiang and kolem are installed on all palinggih, bales, and pelangkiran, while endong is installed only on palinggih and pelangkiran.
A unique tradition during Kuningan is that offerings and prayers must be completed at 12PM. It is believed that if performed after 12PM, they will only be received by Butha and Kala because all the Deities have returned to the heavens.
So, that’s the series of celebration days leading up to Galungan and Kuningan in Bali. The Galungan to Kuningan celebration series manifests the Balinese Hindu belief in maintaining the balance between good and evil. Each stage of this series, from Sugihan Jawa to Kuningan, reflects the spiritual journey of Balinese Hindus in strengthening their bonds with ancestors, Deities, and the universe. Through this tradition, Balinese Hindus are encouraged to maintain personal, environmental, and spiritual cleanliness and balance between Dharma and Adharma in daily life.
For those of you interested in experiencing the strong cultural and traditional atmosphere in Bali, you can visit on these days, and you will surely find an unforgettable experience in your life. You can visit several places such as Penglipuran Traditional Village, Jagatnatha Temple, Ulundanu Beratan Temple, or just stroll around Bali, because at these times, every corner of Bali will feel beautiful and charming.
RIEF Travel can help you find unforgettable experiences during these celebrations. We will create a travel schedule in Bali that makes your vacation memorable. We will also take you to several places in Bali with the distinctive Galungan and Kuningan atmosphere, so you can take photos and truly feel the vibes of the Island of the Gods, Bali.
Contact us for more information, and also follow all our social media to stay updated with every product and latest info from RIEF Travel Planner.
References:
- Tribun News
- Tirto.id
- Liputan6
- Detik.com
