Galungan and Kuningan 2020

Kuningan | Image Credit : Spencer Weart, Kunigan2, CC BY-SA 3.0

As we already know, Balinese culture is one of the richest cultures in the world which goes back to archaic times when civilization first began. With a history that long, there are several cultural festivals that have come into being. One of the most colourful festivals would be Galungan and Kuningan. This is all about the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma). The opening day is celebrated as Galungan which signifies the day when the gods descended upon the earth and the closing day is called Kuningan which symbolises the day on which the gods ascended into the heavens.

There is no fixed date for the festival as it takes place according to the Pawukon calendar which consists of just 210 days. Houses are adorned with colourful décor and tall bamboo poles which are called “penjor”. Women carry fruits on their heads to and offer them to the deities. It is a festival celebrated with close family and close friends. If you happen to in Bali during the period of this festival, staying at a hotel like Katamama Suites at Desa Potato Head, ask around about where to best experience cultural activities. Bali resorts in Seminyak located closer to religious attractions would be ideal for a stay to witness all this.