Hari Raya Kuningan in Bali

Selamat Hari Raya Kuningan. Saturday December 9th is Kuningan, the end of the Galungan celebration, in which ancestors descend to Earth. On this day the Gods and spirits return to heaven. Around Bali, people will be attending ceremonies at their family temple to honor the spirits of their ancestors. Last I got a call from a Balinese friend who was sad, at not being able to go home to East Bali, due to work commitments. The 21st Century and westernizing of the economy, means many Balinese people have to balance a job with cultural / religious activities. This morning the staff at Cafe Seminyak were looking lovely, dressed in sarongs and kebaya’s. One of them asked me where my sarong was. I said it was back home in the closet.

For visitors in the Kuta area, there are some big ceremonies going on today. Back in 2003 I visited Serangan Island, which is located on the Bypass between Kuta and Sanur. Serangan has 2 temples the largest of which is Pura Sakenan

Here are some of the temples in Bali that are having ceremonies today.

•Pura Taman Pule, Mas - Ubud.
•Pura Ularan, Takmung - Klungkung.
•Pura Bukit Jati, Gulingan - Kawan - Bangli.
•Pura Dalem, Desa Guang - Sukawati.
•Pura Sadha - Kapal, Badung.
•Pura Sakenan, Serangan - Denpasar Selatan.
•Pura Pekedungan - Kediri - Tabanan.
•Pura Pasek Gaduh - Grokgak Gde - Tabanan.
•Pura Dalem Sanding - Tampaksiring.
•Pura Dalem Agung Sri Nararya Kresna Kepakisan, Br. Dukuh - Gelgel - Klungkung

I’ve also seen Kuningan celebrations at Tanah Lot and in Klungkung. If you wish to visit a Balinese temple, to check out the ceremonies, remember to wear a sarong and sash. No sexy clothing, or loud behaviour either. The atmosphere around ceremonies I find is relaxed, but it is a religious occasion, so try to avoid charging in, without thinking about the important aspects. For example, do not touch the offerings, do not step in front of people praying, do not talk loudly during a blessing by a priest etc.

Have a great Kuningan in Bali.