Balinese Hindu to celebrate Kuningan Day

DENPASAR (indo.com): On November 30, 2002, ten days after Galungan, the Balinese will celebrate the prosperity day of "Kuningan". An elaborate temple festival will take place at Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island, southern part of Bali, which is a sight not to be missed for any visitors to the island.

The temple itself will be bustling for three days by the people dressed in traditional Balinese costume. Access to the temple is either by boat or by road, passing the bridge which links Serangan island and Bali.

Kuningan is a time for commemoration as the souls of ancestors return to heaven after ten days on earth. The Balinese say thanks to the gods for his mercy to the human race, and it is a time for holiday, visiting friends and relatives and general fun. Every village in Bali will celebrate Kuningan in grand style.

The elaborately decorated bamboo poles at the front of each house compound's entrance gate are redecorated again, by taking down the white clothes and replacing them with the yellow ones, symbolizing prosperity.

Kuningan Day is a great opportunity for visitors to witness the resilience of the Balinese, and their determination to continue their timeless traditions despite the recent tragedy on the island.