Selamat Hari Raya Galungan

Last March 18, about 4 days ago, was the start of Galungan, the biggest religious festival in Bali. It is a time of commemorating the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that the gods and revered ancestors go back to earth.


giant sarad or rice powder tapestries are communally created by women during big feasts
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/125, f/5.6, 45mm, ISO 200




local entertainment could include presentation of the topeng mask dance
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/200s, f/4.5, 135mm, ISO 800, +1/3EV


Bali literally erupts in full color, energy and spirit.


soaring buntings called penjor is a symbol of the victory of goodness over evil
Canon PowerShot S40, 1/100s, f/8, 14.7mm



Pajeng (Balinese) or payung (Bahasa Indonesian) are aplenty in Balinese festivities
Canon PowerShot S40, 1/30s, f/2.8, 7.1mm


During this 10-day celebration which culminates in Kuningan, Balinese congregate to the temples, parade in the streets and decorate their houses and villages (or banjars,) with penjor banners, banten leaves, pajeng umbrellas and all sorts of offerings.


a parade in the streets of Batubulan during the Galungan holidays (October 2005)
Canon PowerShot S40, 1/800s, f/4.9, 21.3 mm



celebration at the Tanah Lot temple during the Galungan holidays (October 2005)
Canon PowerShot S40, 0.5s, f/2.8, 7.1mm


So to all my Balinese friends:
Om Swastiastu
Rahajeng Hari Raya Galungan, Nyepi lan Kuningan
dumogi ngemolihang kerahayan lan kerahajengan sareng sami
Om Santih Santih Santih Om


ketupat cooked rice in folded coconut leaf packets are traditional food items during festivals
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/4s, f/5.6, 49mm, ISO 100



banten ornaments from dry leaves fill temples and houses during big events
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/60s, f/5.6, 50mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV