Galungan Day

Galungan is one of the most important days in Bali. It celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is a day of cleansing and purity in order to welcome ancestors who descend to the earthly realm on that day. A day to reaffirm one's commitment to the spiritual life. It happens every 210 days, one cycle or "year" of the Balinese Pawukon calendar. 'Pak Ngurah says - "on Galungan, every temple in Bali is busy". This festival period that lasts for 10 days ending in Kuninggan Day when the ancestors return to the higher realms. Kuninggan is a "day of yellow" our friend Emon says - an offering of gratitude and farewell to the spirits.

We won't be in Bali on Kuninggan but wanted to chose carfully where we would be for Galungan. We had heard about the village of Sideman which is said to be a bit like Ubud used to be. That is, traditional life and culture very evident and accessible but without the development and draw of tourists amenities, and of course the many tourists that Ubud has. We are big fans of Balinese music and dance - indeed Teresa has studied and practiced Indonesian dance with Pak Ngurah now for close to 30 years.

Seeing Balinese dance is one of the biggest thrills for us in coming to Bali. However, we have never seen it in its original temple setting. We hoped that perhaps Galungan in Sideman would provide an opportunity. Like has been the case on this trip, experience in Bali exceeds our hopes. This post is mostly videos and some photos of the Galungan celebration at Pura Puseh Desa temple in Sideman.

Topeng Keras dancer "backstage" on Galungan night.

Dance and procession to the temple

The temple priests or "pemangku" receive the procession and offerings in cleansing ceremony outside of the temple.

Offerings are brought into the temple as part of the cleansing and purifcation to receive the spirits of the ancestors.

Welcome dance

Topeng Keras dance

Pemangku in ceremony and prayer

Procession 3 times into and out of the temple in a circle for purification.