CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FEBRUARY 2012

1st & 2nd February – Hari Raya Galungan & Umanis Galungan
Galungan is a Balinese holiday that occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10 days. Kuningan is the last day of the holiday (see below). Galungan means 'When the Dharma is winning' – Dharma being good over evil. During this holiday the Balinese Gods visit the earth and leave on Kuningan. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes to be entertained by those on earth.
Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan 'holiday' the day before – on the 5th. 'Penjors' can be seen lining the streets to welcome good fortune to those who pass below to enter family homes. On Wednesday the 6th, the day of Galungan, most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work on another part of the island. As well as the family temples, visits, with offerings, are also made to the main village temple, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months. The day after Galungan, the 7th, is a time for relaxation; visiting friends and maybe taking the opportunity to head to the mountains or beaches for a picnic.


February 5th – Islamic Holiday - Maulid Nabi Muhammad
Today is a national holiday to celebrate the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's birthday therefore all banks, government offices and some commerce will be closed.


7th February – Full Moon - Purnama Kawolu
The full moon (which has particular importance to the Balinese Hindus) falls on this day and ceremonies are held throughout the Hindu temples all across Bali. The Balinese that adhere to the Hindu Dharma religion will take offerings of food, fruit and flowers to the temple to be blesses by the priest. It is the essence of theses offerings that will be enjoyed by the deities. The Balinese themselves are then blessed by performing various rituals using holy water, incense smoke, petals and rice grains.


11th February – Hari Raya Kuningan
This day is always celebrated 10 days after Galungan and on a Saturday marking the end of the festivities, sending deified ancestors back to the heavens. There will be many colourful temple ceremonies, with the Balinese suitably attired coming to and fro, according plenty of photo opportunities. Please be patient when on the roads.


14th February – Valentines Day
The international day of love… a day to be romantic or to propose if it's on the cards. Choose to share a beautiful meal at one of the many stunning, seductive venues on offer. This is a day to get close to those dearest and nearest. Alternatively, one of the many day spas listed in this edition offer pampered packages for two to get the intimate mood flowing.


21st February – Dark Moon - Tilem Kawolu
The Balinese adhering to the Hindu Dharma religion will celebrate 'Tilem' in temple ceremonies, which are mostly held in every major temple and family shrines around the island of Bali. On this day Hindus make offerings to the Gods, placed on the ground at the entrance of each housing compound. The aim is to beg God's grace; so that one's dark thoughts will be illuminated by Him.


29th February – Leap Year
Every four years is known as a leap year, with 29 days in February instead of the usual 28!.