Posted by pekak lingsir on Sunday, 25. October 1998 at 00:15 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Galungan celebration posted by Chris on Friday, 23. October 1998 at 15:25 Bali Time:
The main official festival is called galungan, and commemorates a legendary battle attribute to the eighth century. A giant king called Sang Maya Denawa, from the kingdom of Bedahulu prohibited the people's religious worship and punished all who didn't conform to this decree. The people however, revolted against him and war raged throughout the land until he was finnaly defeated in a fierce battle, but not before thousands had sacrificed their lives for the cause. This victory is remembered during the festival. Everyone joins in the processions, every gate is with 'Penjor', all make their offerings, praying and giving thanks for the death of the tyrant which made it possible for them to worship again in peace.
Young and old, rich and poor, bring their offerings to the temples. The balinese (especially the kids) turn out in their best clothes and bring fruit and cakes, the cling-clang of the gamelans (especially in the villages) is everywhere.
This festival (Galungan) is followed by another, named 'Kuningan' ( 10 days after Galungan). A special feature of the festival is the journey to the island temple of Sakenan, south of Denpasar. Although the object of the pilgrimage is the making of offerings in the temple, it is also the occasion of enjoyment, and the young people, especially, find amusement and fun in the trip by boat, which indeed, a holiday in itself.
"Selamat hari raya Galungan&Kuningan and 'Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa' bless you all..."