Here's all you need to know about Galungan & Kuningan – the Balinese festive tradition with spiritual and historical roots
If you’ve noticed the streets of Bali lined with beautiful bamboo poles (penjor) lately, you’re witnessing the lead-up to one of Bali’s most important celebrations: Galungan and Kuningan. These holidays happen twice a year (thanks to Bali’s 210-day calendar), bringing together ancient legends, family reunions, and a whole lot of gratitude. Forget comparing it to Christmas – this is Bali’s very own victory and Thanksgiving celebration all rolled into one.
Tourists often compare these cultural celebrations to Christmas, even dubbing them the “Balinese Christmas”. But a more fitting comparison would be Thanksgiving. Like the American Thanksgiving, the celebration of Galungan and Kuningan is a time for family reunions, gratitude and conquests.
So, what is Galungan?
Galungan is one of the most important religious festivals in Bali, symbolising the victory of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil). For the Balinese, it’s a time when their ancestors’ spirits return to earth, and families come together to honour these spirits through offerings and prayers. More than just a celebration, Galungan represents the eternal battle between virtue and vice, reminding the Balinese to stay true to their spiritual path. The festival is marked by colourful rituals, family reunions, and the iconic penjor (bamboo poles) that line the streets, symbolising nature’s bounty and the protection of the Gods. For the Balinese, Galungan is a deeply meaningful time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual connection.
The history of Galungan
Galungan is all about victory. The name itself comes from Old Javanese, meaning ‘battle,’ and it’s celebrated as the triumph of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (vice). It is said that on this day the gods appear as Sang Kala Tiga, three ferocious entities: Sang Bhuta Galungan (The Great Demon of the Battle Day), Sang Bhuta Dungulan (The Great Demon of the Victorious Day), and Sang Bhuta Amengkurat (The Great Demon of the Earth Bearer).
But the story doesn’t stop there. After a dramatic chase and series of transformations (including Mayadenawa disguising himself as everything from a chicken to a rock), Lord Indra eventually defeated the trickster. His victory is remembered every Galungan, and Bali’s famous Tirta Empul water temple, known for its holy spring, is said to have been created by Lord Indra during this battle.
When is Galungan day in Bali?
Thanks to Bali’s unique 210-day calendar, Galungan comes around twice a year. The holiday marks the start of a 10-day celebration, beginning with Galungan and ending with Kuningan. Families across Bali prepare for the arrival of their ancestors, who are believed to visit during this time and remain until they depart on Kuningan day. In 2024, Galungan lands on Wednesday 28th February and Wednesday 25th September. The celebrations last for 10 days, concluding with Kuningan. In 2024, Kuningan lands on Saturday 9th March and Saturday 5th October.
How is Galungan celebrated in Bali?
The day before Galungan, families gather to prepare offerings and feasts, setting the stage for the arrival of their ancestors. It’s believed that the spirits of deceased family members come to visit, and they’re welcomed into family shrines, which serve as their temporary homes for the next 10 days. These home temples, with their multiple altars for family guardians, ancestors, and deities, become the heart of the celebration.
On the final day of the festival, Kuningan, yellow rice (nasi kuning) is offered in a symbolic gesture of thanks and farewell to the visiting ancestors. This is where Kuningan gets its name – “kuning” means yellow in Bahasa Indonesia. It’s a time for family reunions, not just with the living but with those who have passed on, similar to Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Galungan & Kuningan: A time for victory, gratitude, and family
Galungan and Kuningan are much more than just another holiday on the Balinese calendar. They are a time to reflect on the victory of good over evil, to express gratitude for life’s blessings, and to honour both living and departed family members. Celebrated twice a year, these cultural festivals are deeply woven into Bali’s spiritual and cultural fabric, keeping the island’s rich traditions alive and vibrant.
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Read more from Dr. Ravinjay Kuckreja here – a Religious Studies lecturer and expert in ancient Balinese and Indian scriptures. Dr. Ravinjay is also the host of the Being Bali podcast, which is dedicated to explaining all about Balinese culture, history and religion.
