During Galungan, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors visit the earth. The 10-day period ends with Kuningan when the gods and ancestors return to their own realm.
Tall bamboo structures - called Penjor - are erected outside Balinese Hindu home the Tuesday before Galungan. Galungan is one of the most important religious ceremonies in Bali, and is held roughly twice a year, every 210 days. The Penjor are 'Christmas Tree's' of the Balinese.....some say!
Local families celebrating and gathering to show devotion.
Penjor are erected to symbolize the dominance of good (dharma) over evil (adharma) as well as to offer thanks to the gods. In addition, penjor show devotion to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Hyang Giri Pati (the God of the mountain).
The curved part of the penjor thus symbolizes Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali that is considered the home of the gods.
Offerings are also placed in the sanggah cucuk for the gods when they come down to Earth for Galungan.