Ubud visitors can observe Galungan celebrations - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com can reveal that the forthcoming festival of Galungan may coincide with people using hotels in Ubud next month.

One of the most important religious events in the island's calendar, the festival symbolises the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma) in Balinese Hinduism.

Galungan will be taking place from May 12th to 22nd this year, with special offerings, ceremonial dances and regional delicacies all playing their part in the festivities.

Local beliefs state that the gods descend to visit the earth during this time and leave on Kuningan, which is the final day of the festival.

One of the traditions associated with Galungan is the Barong dance, a storytelling performance that narrates the battle between good and evil.

Throughout the festival, Barong dancers wear large puppet heads and give spontaneous performances at temples around the island.

People staying in Bali at this time of year are likely to notice the penjor - tall bamboo poles decorated with fruit, flowers, sweets and coconut leaves.

Local people usually make these items and fix them to the entrance of their homes to create a festive atmosphere.