Balinese Hindus to celebrate "Galungan",
the day of triumph
DENPASAR (indo.com): For 10 days between Galungan and
Kuningan days, or exactly from November 20 - 30, 2002,
Balinese Hindus will be celebrating the victory of good
over evil. These celebrations are the most important in
the Pawukon calendar.
Despite the recent bombings that shocked the world, Balinese
continue to have religious ceremonies as if nothing had
happened. Visitors to Bali this year will have a good
opportunity to see the beautiful islands at its prettiest.
All house compounds and entrance gates are decorated
with Penjor, the long, over-hanging bamboo poles decorated
with elaborate creations carved and woven from leaves
and natural fibers. Schools close and commerce ceases,
as attention focuses solely on the devotional activities
associated with this special holiday.
During Galungan, it is believed that the deified ancestors
of the family descend to their former homes where they
must be entertained and given offerings. Offerings are
also made at the gravesides of those awaiting cremation
and their final release into the world of spirits.
The days before Galungan is called Penyekeban day, which
falls on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - the day on which
to cover up fermented cakes. Green bananas are sealed
in large clay pots and covered with coconut husk in order
to ripen them quickly: huge quantities of bananas are
required for Galungan offerings.
Likewise, Penyajaan day, which falls on Monday, November
18, 2002 is devoted to making many colored cakes of fried
rice dough. These are much loved by the Balinese and are
used as offerings in numerous ceremonies. Mountains of
these cakes can be seen in markets, as a busy housewife
will often not have time to make them herself.
A day before Galungan is called Penampahan day, which
falls on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 when many pigs are
slaughtered for the traditional Galungan morning feast.
An essential feature of the menu is the traditional lawar,
a spicy hash made of finely chopped pork and dozens of
spices. The preparation to make dozens of sticks of the
traditional Balinese satay is also done in this slaughter
day for the mourning feast and for making the offering
to the dead people, which have not been cremated yet.
The following day of Galungan is Umanis Galungan, which
falls on Thursday, November 21, 2002 when the devotional
duties and feasting are over and families take to the
road to visit families and friends and really get into
the holiday spirit. And this celebration of the victory
days will be ended on Kuningan Day, which falls on November
30, 2002 or ten days after Galungan Day. So it's a great
time to be in Bali!
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