Hindus celebrate "Galungan", the day of triumph

DENPASAR (indo.com): For 10 days between Galungan and Kuningan days, or exactly from June 18 - 28, 2003, Balinese Hindus will celebrate the victory of good over evil. These celebrations are the most important event according to the Pawukon calendar.

This month of year is a chance to see this beautiful island at it is the prettiest since 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. During the celebration, there shouldn't be any school and commercial activities because all attention will be focused on 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.

Three days before Galungan is called Penyekeban day, which falls on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 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 two days before Galungan Day, or exactly occurred on Monday, June 16, 2003. The day 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.

One day before Galungan is called Penampahan day, which falls on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 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, June 19, 2003 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 lasted on Kuningan Day, which falls ten days afterwards or on June 28, 2003.