Galungan

Galungan is the most important religious festival in Bali, celebrating the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma) in Balinese Hinduism, and welcoming the return of ancestral spirits to their families.

Twice a year, for ten days, the island is transformed by Galungan—a festival of color, prayer, and family bonds. Based on the 210-day Pawukon calendar, Galungan marks the heart of Balinese Hindu culture, when the spirits of ancestors return to earth and good triumphs over evil. Villages, homes, and temples fill with offerings, music, and the scent of incense, and the “soul” of Bali shines at its brightest. Galungan is the perfect opportunity to experience the true essence of Bali.

As the festival begins, streets and temple gates are lined with penjors—graceful bamboo poles adorned with coconut leaves, fruit, and flowers. The sounds of gamelan, the aroma of roast pork and spices, and the sight of people in white and yellow ceremonial dress carrying offerings to temples and family shrines—all awaken the senses to the spirit and community of Bali.

Penjor Decorations and Village Transformation

Temple Ceremonies and Offerings

Traditional Dance, Music, and Community Gatherings

Costumes and Decorations

Traditional Food & Drink

The origins of Galungan lie in Balinese Hindu mythology. According to legend, the tyrant king Mayadenawa once banned religious practice on Bali, plunging the island into fear and chaos. The god Indra descended from the heavens and fought a fierce battle against Mayadenawa’s forces, ultimately ensuring the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). This “day when good triumphs over evil” is the spiritual core of Galungan.

This myth symbolizes the Balinese value of Dharma (justice and harmony), and Galungan has become a festival celebrating this victory and the return of ancestral spirits. During the festival, Balinese families welcome their ancestors at home and village temples, offering prayers, food, dance, and gratitude. On the tenth day, the festival concludes with Kuningan, when the spirits are believed to return to the heavens.

Galungan is held every 210 days according to the Pawukon calendar, sometimes occurring twice a year. Preparations bring families and communities together as they make penjors, prepare offerings, and clean temples, strengthening bonds across generations and villages. More than just a religious event, Galungan is the embodiment of Balinese identity, harmony with the unseen world, and the spirit of hospitality.

“Galungan is the day when my whole family gathers. We decorate the penjor and make offerings together. The village feels magical, and I’m proud to teach our traditions to my children.”

• Galungan is celebrated every 210 days, so it can occur twice a year.
• The festival lasts for 10 days and ends with Kuningan, when ancestral spirits return to heaven.
• Each penjor is handmade, and every decoration carries a meaning of prosperity or gratitude.
• Babi guling and lawar are classic Galungan dishes, made in nearly every household.

Galungan is held across Bali every 210 days. Walk beneath the penjors, join temple ceremonies or family meals, and experience the spirit and festive air of Bali’s most cherished festival.