January 08 Event (galungan)

January is an important month in Bali: Galungan officially begins 23 January, but preparations start early. Galungan, one of Bali’s major festivals, celebrates the return of Balinese gods and deified ancestors to Bali. For ten days, Balinese families entertain and welcome with prayers, offerings and ceremonies to cleanse and balance the inner and outer energy on the island.

# 16th
The Galungan celebration begins! While the holiday itself does not start until 23 January, there are ceremonies, not to mention sales at most major department stores, leading up to the festival itself……

# 17th
Sugian Jawa
The word jawa means ‘outside’) and refers to the environment of the individual human being. ….
# 18th
Sugian Bali – Kajeng Kliwon
In Sanskrit the word bali means ‘inner power’, which refers to the inner world of the individual

# 22nd
Full Moon (Purnama). Ceremonies are held throughout the island, including at Besakih, also known as the Mother Temple, this day also called “penampahan galungan”the day before galungan. if you visit bali this day, you will see every balinese hindu house will have a penjor at their entrance gate.

Penjor (photos from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Penjor.jpg)