Festival of GALUNGAN (29 November 2006)
The day commemorated as the victory day of "Dharma" over "Adharma" (Good over Evil) according to the old history of Bali (Purana).
This is the time of rituals, festivals and celebrations with "Penjors" (decorated bamboo-poles) outside every house entrance as a symbol of prosperity.
There are several processions need to be done prior to Galungan Day:
PENYEKEBAN (3 days before Galungan)
The people begin to prepare for the Galungan ceremony and collect fruits and store them in a special place until they ripen.
PENYAJAHAN (2 days before Galungan)
On this day, the people maintain their awareness, patience and the purity of the soul in order to control the demons. Another meaning of Penyajahan is the making or cooking Balinese cakes (jaja). Therefore, on this day, people have to cook various kinds of Balinese cakes for the ceremony to come.
PENAMPAHAN (1 day before Galungan)
This is a sacrificial day. This is the day to slaughter sacrificial animals like chickens, ducks or pigs. People cook them into various kinds of Balinese food, such as satay, soup, lawar (a special Balinese food made of meat or vegetables, mixed with coconut sauce).
GALUNGAN DAY, 29 November 2006
On the Galungan day itself, Balinese Hindus go to temples and other holy places to pray. People are dressed in colorful Balinese costumes. Women carry the offerings on their heads and men bring palm leave offerings in their hands, while the children walk hand in hand next to their parents.
MANIS GALUNGAN (1 day after Galungan)
On this day, Balinese Hindu communities usually visit their relatives, friends and neighbors. They forgive each other and remain together. It is also a day to relax and visit places of interest, after the long days of preparations for the celebration.
KUNINGAN DAY, 9 December 2006
The last day of Galungan celebrations, believed as the rising day of the holy spirits and deities back to heaven on this day, special offerings consisted of yellow rice and temples look amazing with ornaments made of young coconut leaves and flowers.
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