Penjor (The Symbols Of The Majesty And Gracefulness)

Penjor Galungan at one village in Bali

Penjor is a bamboo pole (a whole bamboo) wiht the curve at the edge of it and decorate by young palm or coconut leaves.

As it function, there are two types of Penjor; (1) Sacred Penjor which is put on the religion ceremony such as Temple Festival, or Bali Hindu's Holiday "Galungan and Kuningan". Its must be come together with Sangah Penjor (Temporary bamboo stupa). (2) Decoration Penjor, which is put on to decorating the area when some occasion being held such as; vilage festival, art festifal, etc. or for the competition. This kind of Penjor doesn't come with the sangah penjor (temporary bamboo stupa).

The people of Bali of course are already familiar with Penjor. Majorly Hindus in Bali make and put the penjor on the day before Galungan caled Penampahan day which is the symbols of upholding Dharma. Penjor are installed on the right of the house entrance. Sanggah and the edge of the penjor arch is facing the street. The main materials of Penjor is a Bamboo curved edges, decorated with shaped young coconut/palm leaves and other foliage (plawa). Penjor are completed with the produces such as (Pala bungkah) tubers eg. sweet potato, (Pala gantung) fruits, and (Pala wija) farm produce such as corn and rice, and also Balinese snack.

Sanggah instaled right beside the penjor facing the street complete with the offerings, made of bamboo, with a basic rectangular shape and the roof curved half-circle so that its shape resembles a crescent shape.

The purpose of the penjor installation is as Hindus swadharma to bring a sense of devotion and gratitude presented to Ida Sanghyang Widi Wasa (God). Penjor also as a sign of mankind thanksful for the prosperity that was delegated by Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa (God). High-arched bamboo is a picture of the highest mountain as a sacred place. Decoration consisting of coconut, banana, sugarcane, rice, snacks and cloth are the representatives of all the plants and food and clothing items are endowed by Hyang Widhi Wasa (God).

Penjor Galungan is relegius Penjor nature, that have specific functions in religious ceremonies, and must be equipped with gear-equipment. Penjor is a mixed of religious and arts. The functional is more religious when it on holiday but the Balinese make it as an art. A beautiful and many style of ornaments will be found on the penjor. Every villages has their own style of ornaments but the basic must be the same. It is great to be exploring around when it Galungan holiday, the streets are likely decorated and peaceful atmosphere we can feel.