Galungan is Coming: Get Ready for Bali’s Streets to Bloom with Beautiful Penjor!

If you’re in Bali right now—or planning a trip soon—get ready to see the island transform in the most magical way. Streets that usually look pretty chill will soon be lined with penjor—those tall, curved bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves, flowers, and offerings. Yep, that means Galungan is just around the corner!

So, What’s Galungan All About?

Galungan is one of the most important spiritual celebrations for Balinese Hindus. It happens every 210 days, based on the Balinese Pawukon calendar, and marks the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). It’s believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors come down to visit their families.

The vibe? Think sacred, festive, colorful, and totally heartwarming. If you’re here, you’ll feel it. Trust me, you’re gonna fall in love with the energy.

Why Are the Streets Full of Penjor?

Penjor aren’t just pretty decorations—they’re full of meaning. Each bamboo pole is carefully crafted and placed in front of homes, symbolizing Mount Agung (the sacred home of the gods) and gratitude for life’s blessings.

So when you see rows of these beautifully curved poles lining the streets, remember: you’re looking at living spiritual art.

Traditions You Should Know During Galungan

• Penampahan Galungan (the day before): This is prep day! Families are busy cooking traditional dishes like lawar and satay, and making offerings called banten.

• Galungan Day: Families gather, pray at home and at temples, and welcome the spirits of their ancestors.

• Kuningan (10 days later): This marks the end of the celebration, when the ancestors return to the spiritual realm. Special offerings with yellow rice are made to honor the moment.

Tips If You’re in Bali During Galungan

• Respect the culture – Don’t enter temples unless you’re wearing traditional Balinese attire.
• Enjoy the visuals – The streets are seriously Instagram-worthy with all those penjor. Take it in, snap some pics, but also take a moment to learn the meaning behind it.
• Try the food – If you’re lucky, you might get to taste some homemade ceremonial dishes. Don’t miss out—they’re delicious and full of tradition.

Galungan Isn’t Just a Ritual – It’s the Heartbeat of Bali

More than just ceremonies and decor, Galungan is a sacred time that reminds people to stay connected to goodness, to honor their roots, and to be grateful for life.

And the best part? You get to witness it all—up close.

So, when you see those tall, elegant penjor swaying above the streets of Bali… now you know. It’s not just decoration. It’s a sign that Bali is in its most peaceful, spiritual, and let’s be real—most beautiful state of being.

image courtesy: https://www.instagram.com/madewedastra/