The “Galungan” festival, one of the most important religious holidays on the Indonesian island, symbolizes, according to local beliefs, the victory of good over evil (archive image).Image: keystone
June 17, 2026, 06:30June 17, 2026, 06:30
The scent of lotus and frangipani incense sticks hangs sweetly in the air, traditional gamelan music sounds from the houses: millions of Hindus in Bali celebrated the symbolic return of their ancestors with offerings and colorful temple ceremonies. According to local beliefs, the “Galungan” festival, one of the most important religious holidays on the Indonesian island, symbolizes the victory of good over evil – and the temporary return of the spirits of deceased ancestors to their families.
From the early hours of the morning, the festival offered foreign visitors a rare insight into the religious traditions of the “Island of the Gods”, which, despite mass tourism, are still firmly anchored in everyday life on the island. People had been preparing for “Galungan” for days. «This is a very special celebration for us. “It’s very important to keep everything in balance,” said Desi, an employee at a hotel in the town of Ubud, which is popular with holidaymakers from all over the world.
Decorated bamboo poles characterize the street scene
The characteristic Penjor were set up in front of houses, shops and temples – metre-high, curved bamboo poles decorated with palm and coconut leaves, fruits and other natural materials. They symbolize prosperity and gratitude and are also intended to remind us of the sacred volcano Gunung Agung, the spiritual center of Balinese Hinduism. Tourists have also been able to take part in decorating the Penjor in recent days.
Families visited temples, said prayers and made offerings to the gods and their ancestors. Most Balinese wore traditional festival clothing with the traditional wrapped sarong, the women balanced colorful woven baskets on their heads.
Instead of tourism, public life focused heavily on family, community and spirituality for a day. The festival season ends after ten days with “Kuningan”. Then, according to Balinese belief, the ancestors return to the spiritual world. (sda/dpa)