“It is 19 days left to Galungan holiday” many Balinese will think that way for today but as a matter of fact the series of ceremonies that mark the period of Galungan festivity begin 25 days before Galungan on the day of Tumpek Wariga and the period of Galungan will end 35 days after Galungan holiday. So the period of festivities for Galungan Ceremony last for 60 days, months of festivities.

Galungan is celebrated by Balinese as the victory of virtue (DHARMA) upon evil (ADHARMA) when the entire island brightened with festivities and ceremony. On the Galungan day, most Balinese will return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. Balinese believe that on this day family ancestors come back to rest in respective family temple. Failed to attend the ceremony in his / her family temple will be a great shame for Balinese. As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well.

Galungan Based on Purana Bali Dwipa (Old History of Bali Island) Scripture, the first Galungan ceremony was celebrated in 882 AD, the celebration was held regularly (every 210 days) for three centuries. In 1181 AD the Galungan ceremony was banned with no apparent reason. The banned was lifted in 1204 AD in the reign of King Jayakasunu. In the period when Galungan was banned, Bali was stormed by plagues and disasters. King Jayakasunu lifted the ban and restored the former prosperity of Bali.

Popularity: 30% [?]