Bali festive for Galungan

DENPASAR, Bali: Denpasar and most other towns and villages in predominantly Hindu Bali turned festive yesterday as people marked Galungan, the day of victory of good over evil.

Decorated bamboo lined most streets and in front of people's houses. Balinese of all ages, donning traditional Balinese costumes, visited temples and other holy places to pray and bring offerings, Antara reported.

On the eve of Galungan, people slaughter pigs for offerings. Today, it is family day where people visit and forgive one another.

Hindu Balinese celebrate Galungan every 210 days to renew their convictions of the virtue of good deeds.

Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka said the message of Galungan was that life was an endless struggle, requiring one to be active and creative in developing oneself, the community and the state for a better tomorrow, Antara said.