When Are Galungan and Kuningan in 2026? Schedule and Ritual Rites

Hindus will celebrate Galungan and Kuningan in June 2026. These two holy days are observed periodically every 210 days based on the Pawukon calculation according to the Balinese calendar system. The Galungan celebration is often associated with the moment of victory of dharma (goodness) over adharma (evil). Meanwhile, Kuningan is interpreted as a day to pay homage to the ancestors. Galungan and Kuningan are two important holy days with deep spiritual meaning. This celebration also serves as a reminder for Hindus to always live by the values of truth (dharma), ethics, and self-control. Referring to Circular Letter Number B-253/DJ.VI/Dt.VI.I.3/BA.03/09/2025 issued by the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Galungan and Kuningan will be commemorated again in June 2026. The details of the implementation times are as follows: Wednesday, 17 June 2026: Galungan Day; Saturday, 27 June 2026: Kuningan Day. According to Balinese Hindu tradition, Galungan and Kuningan are accompanied by several ceremonies passed down through generations. The series of ceremonies for Galungan include: Sugihan Jawa (6 days before Galungan), the initial stage of purifying the universe (bhuana agung) as a form of preparation for welcoming Galungan; Sugihan Bali (1 day after Sugihan Jawa), the purification of the self, both materially and spiritually (bhuana alit), so that devotees are more spiritually prepared to welcome the holy day; Penyekeban, a moment of self-control where devotees begin to restrain their desires and focus on spiritual preparations; Penyajaan, carried out 2 days before Galungan, on Monday or Soma Pon Dungulan, when Hindus typically make various snacks (cakes) to be offered during Galungan, symbolising sincerity in welcoming the victory of dharma over adharma; Penampahan Galungan (the day before Galungan), when Hindus carry out final preparations including making offerings (banten) as a symbol of cleansing oneself from negative traits; Galungan Day, the peak of the celebration, signifying the victory of Dharma against Adharma, as well as a moment of prayer to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and the ancestors; Manis Galungan (the day after Galungan), a moment for fostering ties, visiting family, and strengthening togetherness. The series of ceremonies for Kuningan includes: Penyajaan Galungan, the preparatory stage leading up to Kuningan, especially in preparing special offerings (banten); Penampahan Kuningan (the day before Kuningan), the preparation of the ceremony and the making of offering paraphernalia; Kuningan Day, when Hindus perform prayers as the closing of the Galungan series and to seek safety and protection from the ancestors who return to their realm.