Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan are two of the most sacred celebrations in the Balinese Hindu calendar — and among the most visually striking events you can witness in Bali.
Galungan marks the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil) and is the time when ancestral spirits are believed to descend to earth to visit their families. In the days leading up to Galungan, villages across Bali are transformed: towering bamboo poles called penjor — decorated with coconut leaves, fruit, and offerings — line every street and home entrance.
Kuningan falls exactly 10 days after Galungan, and marks the day the ancestral spirits return to the spirit world. The name comes from kuning (yellow), referring to the yellow rice used in the special offerings prepared on this day. Kuningan ceremonies are typically completed by noon.
Key Days in the Galungan Period
- Penyekeban (3 days before) — green bananas are sealed away to ripen for offerings
- Penyajaan (2 days before) — families make traditional rice cakes and sweets
- Penampahan (the day before) — pigs and ducks are slaughtered and prepared for ceremonial food
- Galungan — the main celebration; temple prayers, family visits, elaborate offerings
- Manis Galungan (the day after) — a day of visiting family and enjoying the festivities
- Kuningan (10 days after Galungan) — the closing ceremony; morning-only rituals
2026 Dates
Galungan: June 17, 2026
Kuningan: June 27, 2026
What to Expect
During the Galungan period, the streets of Bali are at their most festive. Locals dress in traditional ceremonial attire — white shirts, sarongs, and udeng (headbands) for men; kebaya and sarong for women. Temple processions, gamelan music, and the scent of incense fill the air. Warung and restaurants may have limited hours as families observe the holiday.
Galungan and Kuningan occur every 210 days on the Balinese Pawukon calendar, so there are typically two Galungan celebrations per Gregorian year.
