An Iconic Staycay during Galungan and Kuningan on the Island of the Gods
Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods, a destination where the calendar is filled with colourful festivities that capture the heart and soul of locals and travellers. If you’re looking for a truly immersive cultural experience, mark your calendars for Galungan and Kuningan from Wednesday, 25 September, to Saturday, 5 October 2024. During this period, the island blossoms into a hub of spiritual activities, making Mamaka by Ovolo the perfect Bali holiday or staycation spot to experience these rich traditions.
Galungan Rituals and Traditions
This period is marked by preparations and rituals that bring the community together, showcasing the island’s vibrant culture. From the initial buzz of Galungan to the reflective moments of Kuningan, experience the depth and beauty of these celebrations firsthand. Join us as we explore the traditions that define these special days on the Island of the Gods.
The Lead up to Galungan
The festivities begin even before Galungan, as local families engage in the ritual of placing green bananas in clay pots, ripening them in time for the festival. They also make jaja, colourful fried rice cakes that are both an offering to the deities and a festive treat. During this time, pigs and chickens are blessed and ceremonially slaughtered to prepare for the Galungan feasts, creating a buzz of activity that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Galungan
Galungan itself is a profound experience, held on the 11th week of the 210-day Balinese calendar. It’s a time when the Balinese honour the victory of dharma over adharma, or good over evil, and the island comes alive. This important national holiday is also known as a time when the ancestral spirits of those departed visit the earth.
The air is festive, and the streets are lined with penjor—majestic curved bamboo poles adorned with coconut leaves, fruits, seeds, and coconuts, symbolising nature’s bounty and offerings to the gods. Locals dressed in their ceremonial best visit temples laden with offerings. Whether enjoying a staycay or an unforgettable Bali holiday, as a guest at Mamaka by Ovolo, you’re invited to experience these traditions up close, perhaps even joining locals in their celebration.
The day following Galungan, known as Manis Galungan, is dedicated to family, with Balinese locals visiting relatives and enjoying leisurely day trips together.
Kuningan
The culmination of this festive period, Kuningan, is observed ten days after Galungan. It’s a more subdued but equally meaningful day when the Balinese bid farewell to the spirits of their ancestors with a final round of prayers and offerings.
Bali Holiday Accommodation
Mamaka by Ovolo, nestled beside iconic Kuta Beach, offers a unique blend of luxury, local charm and the perfect setting to delve into these cultural festivities. With luxurious accommodation and a strategic location, guests can easily participate in local rituals or observe the island’s lively celebrations.
With its stylish rooms, rooftop pool, and lively beachside eatery, Mamaka is all about good vibes and great memories, making it the perfect holiday destination for anyone visiting Bali. The resort is also home to Rip Curl School of Surf, with classes for all ages and skill levels, making it easy to catch your first wave or refine your techniques riding Kuta’s famous waves. After a day of surfing or cultural celebration, indulge in a pampering session at the Kupu Kupu Spa, where you can experience traditional Balinese massages, rejuvenating body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, blow dries and hair treatments.
Whether chilling in a cabana or sipping sunset cocktails at the Kuta Social Club, Mamaka ensures every moment of your stay is unforgettable. Celebrate, explore, and unwind in a setting that combines the best of local culture with world-class hospitality.
Make your next staycay or Bali holiday more than just a break. Make it a journey of cultural discovery and spiritual renewal during Galungan 2024. Mamaka by Ovolo awaits to make your stay one to remember, with each moment enriched by the island’s sacred traditions and vibrant local life.