A Unique Balinese Ceremonial, Galungan Kuningan and Nyepi Days

In this month, we are Balinese working harder. We have the three big ceremony on this month (March 2009). There are Galungan Day and Kuningan Day, and Nyepi Day (Silent Day) among them.

1. Galungan Day occurs on Wednesday 18th March 2009.
   Galungan occurring every 6 months of Balinese Calendar called pawukon (wuku). A months consist of 35 days. Its mean Galungan occurring every 210 days. Galungan Day is celebrating the winner "Dharma"(The Truth) from "Adharma"(Wrongness). The special sign of Galungan celebration is Penjor, a long decorated bamboo pole is set at entrance of the house. The Penjor is not decorations, but it is a symbol of prosperity or wellness. Before Galungan day, Balinese are also doing many occasion. Such, Sugian Bali, Sugian Jawa, Penyajan Galungan, and Penampahan Galungan. And after Galungan is called Umanis Galungan.
   
   
2. Nyepi Day / Silent Day occurs on Thursday 26th March 2009.
   Nyepi Day is Bali's Lunar New Year. Different with another New Year celebration, Nyepi celebrate without any special event or activity, but with Silent. No entertainment, no pleasure, and for many peoples they are not eat or even talking at all (called "monobrata"). For non Hindhu's are also not allowed to make a noise or traveling.
   
   
3. Kuningan Day occurs on Saturday 28th March 2009.
   Kuningan day occurs 10 days after Galungan day. Balinese pray for the universe, wishing wellness and prosperity. The day after Kuningan day called Umanis Kuningan.
   

by: TUDE