Sugihan Bali is one of the sacred ceremonies in the Balinese Hindu tradition which is carried out as part of a series of preparations to welcome Galungan Day. This ceremony has a deep meaning in cleansing and purifying oneself physically and mentally.
📅 Implementation Time
Sugihan Bali is celebrated every 210 days, precisely on Friday Kliwon Wuku Sungsang, or one day after Sugihan Jawa.
✨ Meaning and Purpose
“Sugihan” comes from the word “sugi” which means to cleanse, and “Bali” refers to the strength within. Thus, Sugihan Bali means self-purification or bhuana alit (microcosm). Its main purpose is to cleanse the body and soul from all physical and mental impurities as a spiritual preparation to welcome Galungan Day.
🛐 Procession and Traditions
The implementation of Sugihan Bali can vary according to the village, time, and local conditions (village, time, patra). However, it generally includes:
- Physical cleansing: Bathing and cleaning the body as a symbol of physical purification.
- Tirta Gocara Request: Asking for holy water from religious leaders (Sulinggih) as a symbol of purification of the soul and body.
- Penglukatan: A purification ceremony carried out in a holy place or temple.
- Yoga Semadi: Meditation and self-introspection to increase spiritual awareness.
Sugihan Bali is an important moment for Hindus in Bali to reflect, cleanse themselves, and strengthen their spiritual connection with the Creator before celebrating the victory of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil) on Galungan Day.
