We asked a Balinese culture expert about Galungan & Kuningan – here's all you need to know about this spiritual Balinese tradition.
If you’ve noticed the streets of Bali lined with beautiful bamboo poles (penjor) lately, you’re witnessing Bali’s most important celebrations: Galungan and Kuningan. These religious holidays happen twice a year (thanks to the 210-day Balinese calendar), and is a time when families honour the spirits of ancestors past, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Tourists often compare this cultural Balinese celebration to Christmas, even dubbing it the “Balinese Christmas”. But a more fitting comparison would be American Thanksgiving, or Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The celebration of Galungan welcomes spirits back to earth for 10 days, while the Kuningan celebration marks their departure back to their spiritual realm.
Why trust this article
Dr. Ravinjay Kuckreja earned his Doctoral Degree in ancient Balinese and Indian scripture. He’s become an expert in the field for over a decade, and is currently teaching Theology and Religious Studies in Bali and Jakarta. Dr. Ravinjay also hosts the Being Bali podcast, where he explains all about Balinese culture, history and religion.
Key details on Galungan and Kuningan
What: A Balinese spiritual celebration dedicated to ancestral spirits.
Where: Everywhere in Bali.
Dates: Galungan on 17 June 2026, and Kuningan on 27 June 2026.
Duration: 10 days.
Note: 2026 is one of the rare calendar years with only one Galungan (instead of two), making it a particularly special year to visit.
All you need to know about Galungan in Bali
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 canang sari offerings and prayers. More than just a celebration, Galungan also represents the eternal battle between good and evil, 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 in Bali
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 2026, Galungan lands on Wednesday 17th June. The celebration lasts for 10 days, concluding with Kuningan which lands on Saturday 27th June.
How is Galungan celebrated in Bali?
Here’s a timeline of Galungan celebration in Bali:
- Day before Galungan: Families gather to cook, prepare offerings, and ready their home temples which serve as the ancestors’ temporary homes for the next 10 days.
- Galungan day: The ancestors arrive. Locals pray at their home temples and village shrines. Expect temple ceremonies, local Balinese dressed in ceremonial attire, and a quieter, more spiritual atmosphere across the island.
- In-between days 2 to 9: Life continues with a spiritual undercurrent. Penjor poles remain up, offerings are made daily, and temple visits carry on. Village streets feel festive and alive.
- Kuningan day: The ancestors depart. Balinese families offer yellow rice (nasi kuning) as a final gesture of thanks — “kuning” means yellow in Bahasa Indonesia.
Tips for visitors during Galungan and Kuningan celebrations
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples (as always!).
- Ask before photographing or recording a ritual. It’s a kind gesture that locals will appreciate as they observe these sacred ceremonies.
- Step around the canang sari offerings on the streets across Bali.
- Explore the penjor-lined streets. Best time: early morning to avoid crowds and vehicles.
- Slow down, observe “real Bali” with curiosity, and remember you’re witnessing a centuries-old celebration!
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.
Selamat hari raya Galungan dan Kuningan!
Want to know more about Balinese traditions? Check out our other art & culture guides:
All you need to know about Nyepi
Bali’s most magical Hindu temples
Traditional Balinese healers
Uluwatu Temple: All you need to know before you go
What is Melasti in Bali?
Why are menstruating women banned from temples?
The legend of Petitenget Temple
Canang sari: what are Balinese offerings?
Melukat water purifications
A complete guide to Balinese culture
Must-try local dishes in Bali
More FAQs on Galungan and Kuningan in Bali
Is Bali open during Galungan and Kuningan?
Yes. Unlike Nyepi (the Day of Silence), Bali is not closed during Galungan and Kuningan. Tourist areas remain active, though banks and government offices may shut or work shorter hours.
What is the difference between Galungan and Kuningan?
Galungan marks the return of ancestral spirits to earth, while Kuningan (ten days later) marks their journey back to the spirit world.
When is the next Galungan after June 2026?
After June 2026, the next Galungan lands on 13 January 2027, with another on 11 August 2027.
Where is the best place in Bali to experience Galungan?
Ubud, Sidemen, and the famous Penglipuran local village tend to feel more immersive than the south's beach-club-lined coastlines. Sanur and Denpasar offer family-oriented celebrations, while Nusa Penida offers quieter, more traditional observances away from tourist density.
Can tourists join Galungan ceremonies?
Direct participation in family or temple rituals is generally for Balinese Hindus. However, observing respectfully from an appropriate distance is usually welcomed. Your close local friends might invite you to witness a part of the celebration.
What should tourists wear during Galungan?
You can wear a sarong, sash, or kebaya if visiting temples - but wear it (and generally behave) respectfully around ongoing ceremonies.
What are penjor, and what do they mean?
Penjor are tall curved bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves, fruit, rice, and flowers, erected outside homes and businesses at the start of Galungan. They symbolise the mountains (particularly Gunung Agung), nature's abundance, and gratitude to the Gods. Each one is made by the family who erects it, and they line almost every street in Bali for the full 10-day period.
Do shops and restaurants close during Galungan?
Most tourist-facing restaurants, cafes, and shops stay open. Some locally-owned warungs and businesses may close on Galungan day itself while families gather for prayers and ceremonies, but this is not universal. The south (Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) remains largely operational. It's worth calling ahead if you have a specific reservation on 17 June.
Is Galungan a public holiday in Indonesia?
No, is not a national public holiday in Indonesia. It is only celebrated in Bali where the majority Hindu population observes it as a major religious event. It is not a 'day off'.