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Indonesia Destination Guides > And the joy goes on...
Indonesia : Bali : BALI BITS : And the joy goes on...
And the joy goes on...  Ten days after the vibrantly observed Galungan celebration, Kuningan Day comes. The special day occurs every 210 days based on the Balinese ‘complicated’ calendar system, yet it will be celebrated on June 28th, 2003 of the Gregorian calendar.
Kuningan Day precisely celebrated on ‘Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon Wuku Kuningan’ – the Saturday of the 12th week of the ‘Pawukon’ cycle within Balinese calendar system. It will need a further learning to understand how the calendar systemized. But basically, a day in Balinese calendar comprises three elements, i.e. a Balinese week (Sunday to Saturday, with the particular names), the system of ‘Panca Wara’ (comprises five days), and the system of ‘Pawukon’ (comprises of 30 wuku/ pawukon’s units, every wuku lasted for about a week). Each day of the Balinese calendar system is made up by these three elements
Despite of its occurrence, i.e. during Wuku Kuningan (so its sometimes called as Tumpek Kuningan), the name ‘Kuningan’ also refers to the word ‘Kuning’ means “yellow”, whereas the yellow rice offerings are specially devoted during this special day. Other characteristics of this special day is ‘Tamiang’ – a beautifully circle shaped young coconut leaved with attractive decoration around and amid. The shape of Tamiang adopted from the shape of ‘Cakra’ – a weapon of God Wisnu (God of Preserver).
Accordingly, Tamiang is functioned as a “weapon”. Some Tamiang are made, and hung at the corners of the house’s roof at the front side of the building. But, before it is used, the Tamiang usually sprinkled with ‘Tirta’ (holy water), so it will own the supranatural power to guard the house and all the people who live within from any bad things, both visible and invisible. Philosophically, Tamiang symbolizes the strong defense of Balinese Hindus against bad things that may spoil their thoughts, speeches, and deeds.
The elaborately decorated bamboo poles at the front of each house compound's entrance gate which was made on Penampahan day (a day before Galungan) are redecorated again . The white clothes are taken down and replaced with the yellow ones, symbolizing prosperity.
Essentially Kuningan set to commemorate the return of Gods, Goddesses and Sang Pitaras (holy ancestors) to ‘Khayangan’ (heaven) after 10 days of celebrating the victory of Galungan. The complete prayer’s ceremonies to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty) and all the divine manifestations are presented in of various Puras (temples), including the family shrines; affirming honest gratitude, and apologizing all sins. Kuningan is also a time for holiday, visiting friends and relatives and general fun. Every village in Bali celebrates Kuningan in impressive style.
A sophisticated temple festival will takes place at Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island, Southern part of Bali during this special day. The temple is flurrying within the three days celebrations. Balinese Hindus from all over the island dressed in traditional Balinese costumes are crowded within the temple. The temple can be accessed either by boat or passing the road of the bridge links Serangan Island and the entire part of Bali Island.
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