This is a tropical paradise where religion is deeply rooted in local life and is expressed through a high respect for nature and a sincere devotion. The principles of Hindu worship are experienced and lived daily with great passion and joy. Most ceremonies include music and rituals that convey serenity and harmony. February is the perfect month to gain a deeper understanding of the Balinese lifestyle and their beliefs: look out for the many holy religious ceremonies in the villages or in one of the larger temples. Take advantage from the busier months in the main season and experience a more traditional and relaxed island during these weeks.

Galungan

Galungan is one of the most important Balinese holidays which honor the creator of the universe (Ida Sang Hyang Widi) and the ancestral spirits. It marks the victory of Dharma over Adharma (the triumph of good over evil) at a time when ancestral spirits of deceased relatives visit the Earth. The most obvious sign of the celebrations are the penjor - bamboo poles with offerings which are erected along the edges of streets everywhere. The poles have colorful decorations that will often include rice, fruits, flowers and leaves from the coconut tree. Offerings will consist of special foods, scented flowers and a woven palm offering. During the peak celebration the Balinese put on their finest clothes to visit the neighbors and relatives. At the end of the celebrations, the ancestral spirits go back to their home, and this is marked by offerings of yellow rice to mark the end of Galungan.

Event times

  • Penyekeban:              3 days before (Cooking of bananas for offerings)
  • Penyajaan:                 2 days before (Making of jaja - fried rice cakes)
  • Penampahan:             1 day before (Slaughtering of pigs or chicken for feasts)
  • Manis Galungan:         1 day after (Visiting family)
  • Kuningan:                   10 days after (Prayers, offerings - spirits return to heaven)
  • Manis Kuningan:         11 days after (Fun)

When :           19 February  - 22 February 2020
Where :         Throughout Bali. Ceremonies are held at temples and villages around the island.

 

Kuningan

The Balinese believe that on Kuningan day the spirits of their ancestors return to heaven after visiting the earth and their families and friends for the Galungan festivities. So Kuningan marks the end of the 10 day festival with ceremonies and special offerings made of yellow rice. Kuning is the word for ‘yellow’ and that is also the color of god Wishnu, the protector of the Hindu trinity. Try to catch a glimpse at the colorful event of the well-dressed Balinese in their ceremonial clothes. In some of the smaller villages you may see some Barong dance performances along the streets. Visitors are welcome to join and watch.

When :         29 February 2020
Where :       Throughout  Bali. Ceremonies are conducted at temples and villages around the island.

 

Mekotekan Rituals

The traditional ritual ceremony at Munggu Village is held every six months, 10 days after Galungan, at the feast of Kuningan day. Often attended by hundreds of men (up to 2,000) living in the 12 surrounding villages of the Munggu community, all participants get sprinkled with holy water by the temple priest who prays for Mekotekan before the event begins. Long wooden sticks or bamboo poles are brought, approximately three to four meters, which are stuck together to assemble a towering triangular building. Some enthusiastic attendees try to climb up to the pyramid while being cheered on by the large crowd. Visitors are welcome to watch but should not participate as it is considered disrespectful to the Balinese people.

When :           29 February 2020 2pm onwards
Where :          Munggu Village, Jl. Raya Munggu-Kapal Munggu, Mengwi

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Ongoing


Temple Ceremony / Odalan / Piodalan

Bali is known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ with its thousands of temples. So whenever you are going to visit Bali you will easily find a temple ceremony nearby. The ceremony called Odalan is a celebration of the day when the temple was built and dignity the coming of the gods on each anniversary of the foundation of the temple. Since the Balinese calendar occur in 210 days and the island has many  many temples, you will probably even see one Odalan while just passing by the road. Some Odalan ceremonies are short, lasting from 1 to 3 days only, while others can last for up to a month. After the main religious praying and offerings are finished, Odalan becomes more a social occasion with get together, food and dance, gamelan, drama, comedy or shadow puppet plays. The Balinese wear the traditional clothing and women carry the elaborate offerings on their head to bring them to the temple.

When :      ask your accommodation/host/guide when the next Odalan is celebrated
Where :     Throughout Bali. Ceremonies are conducted at temples and villages around the island.

 

What weather to expect when traveling to Bali in February

Bali weather in February is a continuation of the wet season as in January, with similar average temperatures. The conditions are “certainly uncertain”. Rainfall is common, especially during the nights. A small storm can clear quickly and bring out the sun. Expect an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and some really nice days with no or only little rain, but also consider that some tropical rain showers might be part of your Bali experience. Very warm water makes swimming and long water sport sessions extremely comfortable as the average sea temperature rises to 29°C (84°F). But be aware that the ocean gets rougher due to the wind and rain and the beaches and water in general can become quite dirty because of rubbish that is washed on-shore. Try to enjoy the quietness during the bad weather periods and take a time-out with your favorite book, go shopping, get a relaxing spa treatment or clarify and calm your mind with a yoga class. Enjoy beautiful Bali with a step up to better accommodations due to the low season discounts and pamper yourself with some extra indulgent lodging. You deserve it!