Bali - Happy Galugnan (email sent Sept 25)

 A major Balinese holiday falls on today and I'm so grateful to be here for the traditions.

Happy Galugnan!

This Hindu holiday celebrates the winning of good over evil.

Imagine that!  A whole holiday that an island prepares for weeks in advance so they can wear their nicest clothes to pray about good winning over evil...

I even bought a nice Balinese outfit to fit in.

Bali has their own 210 day calendar, so their holidays do not fall on the 12 month calendar each year.

No schools or government offices are open this week!  Businesses and stores are closed today!  Temple time.

Imagine a holiday in the USA for praying that everyone does.... Ha, yeah right! 

Besides a whole day dedicated to individual and group praying about good winning over evil, my favorite part are the Penjor decorations at every gate of each house, store, business, temple, everywhere. 

In the USA, we put pumpkins out at Halloween, Christmas lights out at Christmas, etc.  In Bali, they put Penjors out at Galugnan. 

Please, research online "Bali Penjors" and look at "images."  Please!  Your jaw will drop at the beauty.   Now, imagine them everywhere!

Of course Soulshine has a beautiful Penjor the staff made together.

Penjors are tall, decorative bamboo poles.  They are gorgeous, hand-made and a sight to behold, to marvel and feel "awe."

So, again.  Happy Galugnan. May we pray to give thanks for when good won over evil and that good will win over evil in all ways.  Rahayu (God bless).  Namaste.