I love this time in the Balinese Calendar, the streets are decked with colourful penjors outside each home. The penjors, a bamboo pole, are all individually decorated with natural materials, some simple whilst others are stunning. Each once containing a special place towards the bottom of the pole to hold offerings.
This is Galungun, the most sacred Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma. It marks the time when the ancestral spirits visit the Earth. The spirits of deceased relatives who have died and been cremated return to visit their former homes, and the current inhabitants have a responsibility to be hospitable through prayers and offerings.
The last day of the celebration is Kuningan, when the spirits return.
The date is calculated according to the 210-day Balinese calendar and is held on the 11th Wednesday of the year. There are many ceremonies over the ten-day period they are beautiful to see.
So next time you plan a trip to Bali try to coincide it with this very special time of year. Just to take a tour around the Island to soak up the colourful penjors and offerings is a treat for the senses.
In 2020 Galungan is on the 19 February and 16 September
To book your Villa pop your dates into our calendar and see which is the right one for you