Selikur Galungan, a Good Day for Wedding Day

A Hindu wedding ceremony is held lead by a priest

Selikur Galungan or 21 days before the Galungan feast day is trusted by the Hindu community in Bali as a good day for a wedding. It has become an idiom where a young couple in Bali that has not got married yet will be tempted with the expression ‘Do not go beyond the 21 days ahead of the Galungan.” Even, the Selikur Galungan is immortalized in a Balinese pop song.

Prof. Dr. I Made Titib, Ph.D., Rector of the Hindu Dharma Institute (IHDN) Denpasar, stated that Selikur Galungan was indeed a quite good day for a wedding. It contained was penganten coming every 210 days. A week before Galungan was also believed as the descent of Bhatara or deity, in his manifestation as maharishi (Lord Shiva) who could guide and give happiness, so that day contained a great happiness.

He told that Selikur Galungan falling on January 11, 2012 was not a good day for a wedding. Even, many couples chose a few days after Selikur Galungan. “Probably, it was based on the simple grounds, namely the couple can celebrate the Galungan feast day happily,” he said.

Indeed, explained Prof. Titib, on the Galungan the newly-weds looked so happy. They got jerimpen oblations from other residents. All residents donated jerimpen as an expression of exuberant joy to take the new brides into the village membership. Even, in some areas of Gianyar, the newly-wed was characterized by high penjor decorated with long sampian mounted in front of the entrance into the house compound. “The long and large size sampian indicates if the house has a new bride and is ready to become the new resident of the village,” he said.

According to him, there was also opinion saying if Galungan as a registration time to become a new member of the customary community. After that, they would be imposed with regular obligations as other residents did. “More uniquely, the new brides are examined to say prayers together with family and wife in the family temple, village trinity temple and Kahyangan Jagat Temple,” he explained.

It is different from the period of time known as Umanis Kuningan to Buda Wage Wuku Pahang called pegat uwakan day (25 days) or called uncal balung. During this period, the Hindu community in Bali would not perform wedding ceremonies, and neither would any ceremony. “It resembles to a guidance not to carry out any ceremony on the day. Or it is something like a break,” he concluded. (BTN/bud)