Kuningan Day is a significant celebration in Bali, marking the conclusion of the Galungan holiday cycle, occurring every 210 days, ten days after Galungan. Kuningan festival 2024 date is October 5. Brass Penampahan feast is on October 4. It holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Balinese people, rooted in their beliefs about the journey of their ancestors and their relationship with the divine. Kuningan marks the end of 10-day Galungan festival.
The Balinese view Kuningan Day as the time when their
ancestors conclude their visit to the earthly realm, returning to heaven after
the festivities of Galungan. To honor and bid farewell to their ancestors,
Balinese families prepare elaborate offerings, typically consisting of yellowed
rice placed in small coconut leaf bowls, along with seeds, fish, and various
fruits like papaya and cucumber. The yellow rice, symbolizing gratitude towards
God for life's blessings, is a central element of these offerings.
Moreover, the offerings are adorned with miniature figures
of shadow puppets, representing angels believed to bring joy and prosperity to
Earth. It's believed that on Kuningan Day, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi (God) bestows
blessings and prosperity upon the world, reinforcing the importance of this day
in Balinese spirituality.
Traditionally, celebrations are conducted before noon, as
it's believed that the gods and goddesses return to heaven to continue their
spiritual practices. Decorations such as tamiang and endongan adorn homes and
temples during this time, serving as reminders of karma and the necessity to
protect oneself from negative influences.
Tamiang, resembling a round shield, symbolizes protection
and the cyclical nature of life. It serves as a visual reminder for individuals
to safeguard themselves against harmful actions and energies.
Endongan, shaped like a bag or pocket and made from coconut
leaves, represents provisions for the journey from earth to heaven. It contains
various items such as seeds, fruits, and tubers, symbolizing the essential
elements humans need for their spiritual journey—knowledge and homage.
In some Balinese villages, particularly in the Gianyar
region, Barongs or ngelawangs, lion-like creatures, roam from house to house
accompanied by children playing traditional Balinese musical instruments. If a
Barong visits a house, it's customary to offer a canang with sesari (money) as
a gesture of respect. In return, the Barong will bless the house and its
occupants through a traditional dance performance.