The Galungan and Kuningan celebrations are spiritual celebrations that are neatly structured in the Balinese calendar, presenting a spiritual curriculum that teaches self-discipline, gratitude, respect for nature and ancestors, and an eternal commitment to upholding Dharma (truth and virtue) in every aspect of life.
Overall, the Galungan and Kuningan series is a spiritual cycle that reminds Balinese Hindus to always uphold the truth ( Dharma ) within themselves, maintain physical and spiritual purity, and be grateful for the gifts of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The meaning of the victory of Dharma over Adharma on Galungan is concretely realized in a mythology and ritual that involves the descent of Sang Kala Tiga Wisesa into the world (Bhuana Agung) and into humans (Bhuana Alit) .Sang Kala Tiga (three types of Bhuta Kala ) are believed to come one after another before Galungan to disturb the inner peace and tempt humans:
| Arrival (Day) | Name of Bhuta Kala | Meaning of Disturbance (Adharma) | Resistance (Dharma) |
| Penyekeban (Pahing Sunday) | Bhuta Kala Dungulan | The desire to seize or defeat everything that is controlled by others. | Nyekeb Indriya (restraining the senses) and strengthening faith. |
| Presentation (Monday Pon) | Bhuta Kala Galungan | The desire to win by any means that is not in accordance with religious ethics. | Strengthen your mind and pure intention (Wirasa) to become a winner (Dharma). |
| Penampahan (Tuesday Wage) | Bhuta Kala Amangkurat | The desire to always have power and maintain power (Amangkurat = to rule the world). | Penampahan Ritual (symbolic of slaughtering animal nature) and praying for Jaya (victory). |
On Galungan Day (Wednesday Kliwon) , Hindus celebrate victory over the temptations and attacks of the Three Kalas . This victory is not a physical battle, but rather a spiritual struggle that successfully unites spiritual strength to achieve a calm and clear mind and conviction.
The history of Galungan does not only revolve around the calendar, but also around the story of the cosmic struggle that forms its philosophical basis:
Origins of Galungan: According to several records and palm-leaf manuscripts, Galungan was first celebrated in the Saka year 804 AD (around 882 AD). This celebration was temporarily suspended and revived by King Sri Jayakasunu around the Saka year 1126.
The War of Dharma Against Adharma: Galungan is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Ida Bhatara Indra (God of Goodness/Dharma) in defeating King Mayadenawa (King of Arrogance/Adharma).
King Mayadenawa was a powerful but tyrannical king. He forbade his people from worshipping gods and ordered the destruction of idols.
This story symbolizes that arrogance, pride, and the prohibition to do good (Adharma) will ultimately be defeated by the power of Dharma and wisdom (Wiweka Jnyana).
The entire sequence, timing, and philosophical meaning from Galungan to Kuningan are based on Balinese Hindu sacred literature, especially the Lontar Sundarigama.
The meaning of Galungan: This palm leaf says, "Buddha Kliwon Dungulan ngaran Galungan, patitis ikang janyana samadhi, galang apadang maryakena sarwa byapaning idep."
This is a day to focus on samadhi (concentration) so that the mind becomes clear (clear of clutter).
Kuningan Time: Sundarigama also explains that on Kuningan, the Gods and Pitara (ancestors) descend to earth only until noon. This is the main reason why all Kuningan prayers and ceremonies must be completed before 12:00 WITA (Central Indonesian Time). Prayers performed after that time are considered in vain.
Typical Ritual Traditions
Apart from the prayer rituals at the temple, there are unique traditions that add to the excitement of the celebrations, especially in traditional village areas:
A. Barong's
It's generally held between Penampahan and Galungan. The word "Ngelawang" comes from the word "Lawang, " meaning door. This ritual wards off evil, performed by parading a Barong (most often a Barong Bangkung, shaped like a wild boar) around the village from one door to another.
The Barong, as a symbol of protection and sacred power, serves to neutralize the negative aura (Bhuta Kala) that remains in the village after the victory of Dharma in Galungan. Communities through which the Barong passes usually offer sesari (voluntary donations) as a token of gratitude and a request for safety.
The Barong Bangkal tradition (a wild boar-shaped Barong) is paraded from door to door. This ritual is performed as an effort to cleanse the Bhuta Kala (spirit of evil) within the village, accompanied by dancing and gamelan music.
B. Mapeed / Ngiringang Upakara
The tradition of carrying offerings (upakara) arranged high (gebogan) en masse by mothers and young women to the temple where they pray.
It is the embodiment of joy and ritual aesthetics. The graceful lines of Mapeed symbolize gratitude offered sincerely and beautifully.
C. Social Traditions
Apart from prayers at the temple (worship of Sang Hyang Widhi), there are several social traditions carried out on Galungan day:
Silaturahmi: Performed on Umanis Galungan Day by visiting relatives, and expressing joy over the victory of Dharma within the limits of morality.
Mamunjung: The tradition of visiting the setra (grave) or grave of a deceased family member who has not yet been cremated. The family brings punjungan (offerings and food) and places them on the grave as a form of Pitra Yadnya (devotion to ancestors) and an expression of gratitude for their blessings.
Ngejot (Sharing): After prayers, the tradition of Ngejot, or sharing food and offerings with neighbors, both Hindu and non-Hindu, is a concrete practice of Bhakti Karma Marga (the path of devotion through action). This embodies the values of tolerance and social concern.
The Importance of Self-Control (Jñana and Wirasa)
The essence of Galungan, as contained in the Sunarigama palm-leaf manuscript, is the unification of spiritual power to gain insight. This is achieved through two things:
Sense Control (Penyekeban): Restraining desires and temptations that arise from outside.
Strengthening of Holy Intention (Penyajan): Focus on truth and spiritual belief (Dharma) as provisions for life.
The entire series of Galungan and Kuningan are essentially a concrete practice of the Balinese Hindu philosophical concept: Tri Hita Karana (Three Causes of Well-being/Happiness), namely the harmonious relationship between:
1. Relationship with God (Parahyangan)
The highlight of this celebration is intensive prayers, offerings of offerings (banten), and the installation of Penjor (a symbol of the holy mountain and a manifestation of the prosperity of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi).
The faithful acknowledge and give thanks for God's blessings for the creation of the universe and the triumph of Dharma. Purification of the self (Balinese Sugihan) and the environment (Javanese Sugihan) is also carried out to welcome His holy presence.
2. Relationship with fellow human beings (Pawongan)
The Umanis Galungan tradition involves family visits (silaturahmi), as well as the gathering of all relatives to perform prayers together at the family temple.
This moment strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and social solidarity. The victory of Dharma within each individual should be reflected in harmonious and peaceful relationships among people.
The Galungan-Kuningan series functions as a catalyst to strengthen social ethics in community life:
Tolerance and Togetherness (Gotong Royong) : The process of making Penjor, Lawar, and Banten involves the entire family and often the community. This fosters a spirit of togetherness.
Collective Introspection : The victory of Dharma over Adharma serves as a shared moral foundation. This celebration reminds everyone to practice Dharma in their daily lives, which collectively creates a peaceful and harmonious society.
Thus, Galungan and Kuningan are a series of Yadnya (sacred sacrifices) that not only aim to cleanse the individual soul, but also to uphold the cosmic, social, and natural order so that it remains balanced and prosperous.
3. Relationship with Nature (Palemahan)
Starting from Tumpek Wariga which is a ceremony of worship to the God of Plants, to the use of agricultural products (rice, fruit, tubers) as decorations for the Penjor and contents of offerings.
Teaching gratitude and appreciation for the universe as the source of life. The Penjor, removed at Pegat Wakan and its ashes replanted, symbolizes the unbroken cycle of life and the fertility of the land.
Galungan Festival
Implementation Time: Falls on Wednesday (Buda) Kliwon wuku Dungulan.Main Traditions on Galungan:
Penjor Installation : A curved bamboo structure beautifully decorated with young coconut leaves and agricultural produce. Penjor are installed in front of every house, symbolizing Mount Agung as the palace of the gods and a form of gratitude for the prosperity and well-being bestowed by Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty) and his manifestations.
Prayers : The congregation performs prayers at the family temple (merajan) and the general temple (khayangan desa) to express gratitude and ask for blessings.
Mamunjung ka Setra : The tradition of visiting graves to make offerings for family members who have died and have not yet been given a ceremony.
This series of holy days aims to cleanse oneself and the environment, as well as spiritual preparation to welcome the victory of Dharma.
| Holy Day Names | Execution time | Philosophical Meaning |
| Tumpek Wariga (Tumpek Bubuh) | 25 days before Galungan (Saturday Kliwon week Wariga) | Worshipping Sang Hyang Sangkara (the manifestation of God as the God of Plant Safety). People make offerings (banten bubuh) to plants as a form of gratitude and a request for abundant fruit for the Galungan ceremony. |
| Javanese Sugihan | 6 days before Galungan (Thursday Wage Wuku Sungsang) | External cleansing and purification of the self (BhuanaAgung - universe and environment). |
| Balinese Food | 5 days before Galungan (Friday Kliwon, Wuku Sungsang) | Cleansing and purification within oneself (BhuanaAlit - human body and soul). |
| Day of Confinement | 3 days before Galungan (Pahing Sunday, Dungulan wuku) | The philosophy of "nyekeb indriya" (restraining lust) so as not to be influenced by negative things (Adharma) before Galungan. |
| Presentation Day | 2 days before Galungan (Monday Pon, Dungulan wuku) | Strengthening oneself and one's mentality to celebrate Galungan, accompanied by making Jajan Uli and Tape cakes as a symbol of joy. |
| Penampahan Day | 1 day before Galungan (Tuesday Wage wuku Dungulan) | Elimination of animalistic traits (bad desires) in the self . Traditionally, sacrificial animals (pigs/chickens) are slaughtered, which means defeating Bhuta Galungan (a symbol of evil nature) and processing the sacrificial meat for offerings. |
| Galungan Festival | Wednesday Kliwon in Dungulan month | The peak of the celebration of the victory of Dharma over Adharma. |
| Umanis Galungan | 1 day after Galungan (Thursday Umanis wuku Dungulan) | Teacher's Day (asking for waranugraha/blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa). The congregation visits family (silaturahmi). |
Galungan Penjor
The Penjor is the most recognizable visual symbol of Galungan. It is installed on the day of Penampahan Galungan and is only removed during Pegat Wakan .
Penjor is not just a decoration, but a sacred upakara (ceremonial object) that must be installed during Penampahan Galungan (Tuesday Wage Dungulan) in the afternoon.
The symbol of Mount Agung (Parhyangan) :
According to the Lontar Dewa Tattwa, Penjor symbolizes Mount Agung, which is believed to be the palace of the Gods and a source of prosperity for Bali.
The curved bamboo reflects the highest mountain.
Cosmic Dragon Embodiment (Weakness) :
Penjor is a visualization of two cosmic dragons: Naga Basuki and Naga Ananta Bhoga.
Naga Basuki (Dragon of Prosperity) is symbolized by curved bamboo and the Penjor sampiya, meaning it asks for prosperity and safety.
Naga Ananta Bhoga (Dragon Supporting the Earth) is symbolized by the fruits of the earth (nuts, hanging nuts such as rice, tubers, bananas, and coconuts) that are hung, meaning gratitude for the gift of clothing and food.
Philosophy of the Ten Gods :
Each element in the Penjor (white cloth, coconut, young coconut leaf, sugar cane, Ardha Candra sanggah) is a symbol of the manifestation of the Gods who guard the cardinal directions , teaching that the entire universe is under the protection and power of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
| Penjor Components | Symbol Hindu | Philosophical Meaning |
| Curved Bamboo Stem | Symbol of Mount Agung (the abode of the Gods) | The symbol of strength and prosperity (fertility) bestowed by Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (as Bhatara Mahadewa on the mountain peak). |
| Agricultural Ornaments | Contains nutmeg bungkah (tubers), nutmeg gantung (coconut, banana), jajan (cake), and janur. | An expression of gratitude (yajna) for the prosperity and harvest given by God. |
| Sanggah Penjor (Small Hut) | Place of offerings (Canang Sari, Banten). | As a symbol of respect for Lord Vishnu (the Preserver God) and other manifestations of God. |
| Lamāk and Gegantungan | Intricate coconut leaf decorations. | Symbolizes the beauty of the universe (Bhuana Agung). |
In essence, Penjor is a representation of Mount/Meru which is a sacred place, and its installation is a form of physical devotion as a reminder of the victory of Dharma and a request for safety and prosperity.
Series of Ceremonies
Galungan preparations are a long series of rituals called Pawedalan Jagat (Oton Gumi) , starting 42 days beforehand:
| Ritual Name | Execution time | Focus and Philosophical Meaning |
| The Wariga River | 25 days before Galungan (Saturday Kliwon Wariga) | Worship of Sang Hyang Sangkara (God of Plants). Devotees make offerings to trees (Tumpek Bubuh) in the hope that the plants will bear abundant fruit for the Galungan ceremony. This symbolizes harmony with nature (Tri Hita Karana). |
| Javanese Sugihan | 7 days before Galungan (Thursday Wage Sungsang) | Purification of the Great Universe (Universe/Outside Self). This is carried out through the Mererebu ceremony, or cleansing of temples, holy places, and the surrounding environment. |
| Balinese Food | 6 days before Galungan (Friday Kliwon Sungsang) | Purification of Bhuana Alit (Self). The congregation performs physical cleansing (bathing, shampooing) and requests Tirta (holy water) from the Sulinggih. |
| Confinement | 4 days before Galungan (Pahing Dungulan Sunday) | Nyekeb Indriya (restraining the senses). Symbolizes controlling lust and negative thoughts as spiritual preparation. |
| Presentation | 3 days before Galungan (Monday Pon Dungulan) | Saja means true/serious. A time to solidify one's intentions and resolve in practicing Dharma. Believed to be tested by Sang Bhuta Dungulan (the temptation of lust). |
| Galungan Festival | 1 day before Galungan (Tuesday Wage Dungulan) | Nampah (slaughter/cutting). Slaughtering sacrificial animals (pigs/chickens) symbolically kills the Kala (animalistic/negative) nature in oneself, such as greed (Tamas) and laziness (Rajas). Also the day of installing Penjor. |
The Series After the Peak of Galungan
The series of celebrations does not stop on Galungan Day (Wednesday Kliwon Dungulan), but continues for a whole week:
| Ritual Name | Execution time | Focus and Philosophical Meaning |
| Umanis Galungan | 1 day after Galungan (Thursday Umanis Dungulan) | Umanis means sweet. This day is a time to enjoy the fruits of Dharma's victory. In the physical realm, it is filled with social gatherings, visiting relatives, and recreation. In the spiritual realm, people are asked to maintain a pure mind so that it remains sweet (calm and peaceful). The Sundarigama (Lontar Sundarigama) mentions that this day is filled with Sādhanā Bhakti (spiritual practice) and seeking Toya Anyar (new holy water). |
| Teacher's Dismissal | 3 days after Galungan (Saturday Pon Dungulan) | Memarid means to ask (ngelungsur), and Guru is Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in the manifestation of Sang Hyang Siwa Guru. It means a day to ask for blessings (waranugraha) and longevity from God after going through a holy period. |
| Repetition | 7 days after Galungan (Kingdom Wage Sunday) | Ulih means return. This day is believed to mark the return of the gods and ancestors to Swar Galoka (Heaven) after visiting Earth during the Galungan period. Devotees offer offerings and give thanks for the blessings they have left behind. |
| Great Pemacekan | 10 days after Galungan (Monday Kliwon Kuningan) | Pacek means to establish/confirm. Pemacekan Agung is a day to establish and solidify the victory of Dharma within oneself. In the afternoon (sandikala), worshippers offer offerings in their yards to neutralize the remaining negative energy of the Galungan Three Kalas, returning it to its origin, allowing Dharma to rest firmly. |
Kuningan Day
Implementation Time: Falls 10 days after Galungan, precisely on Saturday (Saniscara) Kliwon wuku Kuningan.
Philosophical Meaning: Kuningan Day is interpreted as a day to offer thanksgiving, ask for peace, safety, protection, and guidance from the Gods and Ancestors (Pitara). Hindus believe that on this day, the Gods and Ancestors return to heaven after descending to earth since Galungan, so the prayer ceremony is only held until noon (before 12:00 WITA).
Main Traditions in Kuningan:
Yellow Rice : People offer offerings decorated with yellow rice, which symbolizes prosperity, success, and well-being.
Endongan : An offering in the form of a small bag containing provisions, symbolizing the provisions of the Gods and Ancestors on their journey back to heaven.
Brass Tamiang : A round decoration installed on a palinggih (place of worship) which symbolizes a shield or shield as protection from all forces of Adharma.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Brass
After celebrating Dharma's victory, Kuningan comes 10 days later as a moment of farewell and confirmation of the gift.
A. Ceremony Time LimitationUntil Noon Only (12.00 WITA): This is one of the most unique characteristics of Kuningan. The belief that the Gods and Ancestors return to heaven after noon contains philosophical meanings:
Time Discipline (Kala Nitya): The faithful are reminded to value and utilize time. Worship should not be done carelessly, and must be completed before the set time limit.
The Importance of Dharma in the World: The main spiritual message has been conveyed. Now, the faithful must implement the teachings of Dharma in the remaining time of their daily lives.
- Endongan: A small hanging offering filled with rice, money, and food. This symbolizes the provisions or provisions provided by the Gods and Ancestors on their journey back. For humans, this symbolizes the primary provisions in life: knowledge (Dharma), virtue (Kelebihan), and self-control (Indriya).
- Tamiang : A circular, shield-like decoration made from young coconut leaves (janur) is installed at every sacred site. Tamiang symbolizes the protection granted by the Gods and Ancestors. It also serves as a reminder for the faithful to always have a shield (steadfast faith) in the face of post-Galungan temptations.
Series Closing: Buda Kliwon Pegat Wakan
The series of Galungan and Kuningan ceremonies do not end on Kuningan Day, but are officially closed on Buda Kliwon Pahang , or what is known as Pegat Wakan (occurring 35 days after Galungan).
Etymology: Pegat means to break/end, and Wakan or Warah means to speak or guide.
Meaning:
End of Tapa Brata: Today marks the end of the 42-day period of Hindus concentrating on sacred contemplation and self-control (tapa brata) which began on Tumpek Wariga.
Removing Symbols: On this day, the Penjor, which has stood upright since Penampahan Galungan, is removed. It is then cleansed and burned, and the ashes are scattered in the yard as a symbol of hope for fertility and the pikukuh jiwa urip (life force).
Dharma Reflection: After all the attributes are removed, Hindus are reminded that the victory of Dharma must be internalized and continued in daily life, not just in the form of rituals.
The Basic Differences Between Banten, Galungan and Kuningan
Although both are major holidays, there are significant differences in the types of offerings (banten) and the focus of worship:
| Aspect | Galungan Festival | Kuningan Day |
| Focus of Worship | The victory of Dharma and Sang Hyang Widhi in all His manifestations. | Worship of the Gods and Pitara (Ancestors) to ask for guidance, safety, and long life. |
| Main Banten | Banten Gebogan (towering arrangement of fruits and snacks), Banten Penjor (under the Penjor pillar), and Banten Soda (public offering). | Banten Tamiang (shield), Banten Endongan (provisions/bag), and the use of Yellow Rice as the core of the offering. |
| The Meaning of Typical Banten | Banten Penjor symbolizes Mount Agung as the palace of God. | The endongan symbolizes provisions/means for the Gods/Ancestors to return to heaven. Yellow Rice symbolizes prosperity, well-being, and wisdom (Kauningan). |
| Prayer Time | All day. | Only until midday (before 12.00 WITA). |
The day before Kuningan is called Penampahan Kuningan (Friday Wage Kuningan) , which is different from Penampahan Galungan . Penampahan Kuningan is the day of preparation for making Banten Kuningan, not the day for carrying out the sacrificial slaughter ( nampah ).
