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. The Balinese themselves are then blessed by performing various rituals using holy water, incense smoke, petals and rice grains.
AUGUST 4TH - TUMPEK WARIGA (A.K.A. TUMPEK UDUH)
This Balinese Hindu ceremony is held every 210 days to honour and bless foods and plants for good crops and produce. The name Tumpek Wariga derived from two words, 'Tumpek', which means Saturday and 'Wariga' being the Balinese word for an appropriate or inappropriate day to worship. This special day honours God Sangkara, the God of Vegetation. It is forbidden to cut trees or to gather any crops.
AUGUST 17TH – INDEPENDENCE DAY
This is a national public holiday; therefore banks and government buildings will be closed, as will be a large amount of commerce. You will see the red and white Indonesian flag everywhere, from cars to houses to businesses.
AUGUST 19TH/20TH – HARI RAYA IDUL FITRI
Idul Fitri marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, reminding Muslims of self-discipline and reconciling to Allah, the Holy one. Idul Fitri lasts for three days of celebration and is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" as compared to the Eid al-Adha that lasts three days following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the 'Greater Eid'. Muslims are commanded by the Qur'an to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir all throughout the period of Eid. It is also a national holiday so all banks and government offices will be closed.
AUGUST 28TH/29TH/30TH – HARI RAYA GALUNGAN FESTIVITIES
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 28th. 'Penjors' can be seen lining the streets to welcome good fortune to those who pass below to enter family homes. On Wednesday the 29th, 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 30th, is a time for relaxation: visiting friends and maybe taking the opportunity to head to the mountains or beaches for
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