The Beautiful Balinese Belief Behind Galungan and Kuningan

One of the most beautiful beliefs in Bali surrounds Galungan and Kuningan.

Many people see the penjor lining the roads and know there is a celebration taking place, but there is so much more to it than that.

For the Balinese, Galungan is the time when ancestral spirits return home to visit their families.

For ten days, they remain with us.

Families spend weeks preparing. Offerings are made, family temples are decorated, prayers are performed, and loved ones are welcomed home. It is a time of respect, gratitude, and connection.

The ancestors are believed to continue watching over their families, offering guidance, protection, and blessings. Galungan is an opportunity to honour them and acknowledge everything that came before us.

What I have always loved about this belief is that family doesn't end when someone dies.

The relationship continues.

The responsibility continues.

The love continues.

The ancestors remain with their families until Kuningan, ten days later, when prayers and offerings are made once more before they return to the spiritual realm.

Many Balinese believe it is important to fulfil these obligations. Not because they are afraid, but because maintaining harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds is an important part of life. Ancestors should not be forgotten.

There is something incredibly beautiful about the idea that those we love never truly leave us.

That for ten days each Galungan, they come home