In a vibrant display of religious devotion, the Hindu community in Bali, Indonesia, exultantly celebrated the auspicious festival of Galungan on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. From the break of dawn, devotees thronged to the sacred puras, immersing themselves in profound acts of worship and spiritual reflection.
Among the bustling scenes of devotion, Tabanan, a picturesque regency in Bali, witnessed a gathering of Hindu faithful at notable puras such as Pura Puseh, Pura Bale Agung, and Pura Dalem, as the sun rose over the island.
Affirming the significance of this sacred occasion, I Gusti Gede Ngurah Siwa Gentha, the esteemed Bendesa Adat Kota Tabanan, conveyed, “In the treasured traditional village of Adat Kota Tabanan, the prayer rituals at these three puras commenced at 6:00 AM and continued till 9:00 AM WITA,” as reported by Detik.
Galungan, a deeply revered celebration, centers around the essence of prayer and devotion. Integral to the observance is the act of persembahyangan, a profound expression of gratitude offered to the divine for the manifold blessings bestowed upon the devotees, encompassing well-being, prosperity, harmony, and inner peace. The heart of the celebrations lies in the intimate family puras known as merajan, where devotees pay homage to their ancestors and seek blessings for the prosperity of their lineage.
Beyond the familial realm, the spiritual journey extends to the grandeur of larger family temples, known as Pura Ibu, Pura Panti, or Pura Batur, a testament to the interconnectedness of Hindu families and communities. The journey of devotion then traverses to puras nestled within the banjar adat (traditional community) and ultimately converges at the sacred precincts of the desa adat (traditional village).
Such is the intensity of reverence that devotees are encouraged to partake in a minimum of five puras for their prayers, with the option to visit even more puras should time permit. In the profound words of Gentha, “The festival of Galungan is a joyous occasion that commemorates the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil) in the universe.”
The divine resonance of Galungan echoed far and wide, enveloping the sacred grounds of Pura Agung Jagatnatha in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. The fervent devotional spirits extended their reach beyond Denpasar as Hindu followers from neighboring areas joined in the spiritual congregation at the revered Pura Agung Jagatnatha, starting from 7:00 AM WITA.
Ida Bagus Saskara, the esteemed Pemangku Jan Banggul of Pura Agung Jagatnatha Denpasar, shared insights into the unique approach taken this year to accommodate the faithful. In light of the ongoing renovations at Pura Agung Jagatnatha, prayers were conducted individually instead of a grand collective gathering. This prudent measure was thoughtfully implemented to prevent overcrowding within the pura, which possesses a capacity to hold a limited number of devotees at a time, ensuring that the sacred ambience remains sanctified.
While the Denpasar City Government issued an advisory urging devotees to explore alternative puras during the renovations, the magnetic allure of Pura Agung Jagatnatha remained strong, beckoning many faithful to seek solace and blessings within its sacred precincts.
Further afield, Klungkung Regency added to the enchantment of Galungan with equal ardor and devotion. The spiritual stirring began at the break of dawn, around 3:00 AM WITA, as Hindus in Klungkung readied themselves to converge at various puras in their vicinity.
I Wayan Budarsana, the revered Bendesa Adat Kota Semarapura, provided insight into the vibrant tapestry of worship unfolding in Klungkung. The joyous congregation of worshippers commenced their divine journey at 4:00 AM WITA, with heartfelt prayers offered at esteemed puras such as Pura Jagatnatha Klungkung, Pemedal Agung, Catus Pata, Dalem Agung, and other grand puras embellishing the landscape of Kota Semarapura.
To preserve the sanctity and solemnity of the Galungan prayers, Desa Adat Semarapura thoughtfully deployed pecalang (traditional guards) to maintain vigilance from the early hours of 4:00 AM WITA. This dedicated presence ensured a spiritually uplifting and harmonious atmosphere for all who sought divine solace.
As the Hindu community came together in exuberance, their collective devotion resonated like an ancient melody, encapsulating the timeless cultural and religious significance of Galungan. The festival’s embrace extended across Bali, reaffirming the enduring traditions that bind the island’s spiritual fabric and uniting hearts in prayer and celebration.
