Saraswati Day in Bali – August 1 2009
Today is Saraswati Day in Bali. This is the special day of thanks for the gift of knowledge. The festive day is a time for making offers books and especially the holy Lontar palm leaf books. All books are subject to this day. One does not read books, but schools have special ceremonies. Notorious, Pura Jagatnatha in Denpasar is jam packed with students praying for success in their studies in the early morning ceremony.
Balinese Day – Purnama and Tilem Day
“Purnama“, the day of full moon and “Tilem“, “the day of the new moon, are special days for the Balinese. On this day, additional offers are made around the family, as well as some offers on the floor at the entrance of the house with. The giant “sesajen offerings are also often at the village temple. Depending on the time of the year, many temples then various forms of entertainment for the village – dance, Wayang puppet performances, plays arja – which coincide with the special prayer for Purnama or Tilem.
Bali Holiday – Siwa Ratri Day
Yesterday, Balinese people (especially Hindu) celebrated Siwa Ratri (Siwa Latri) that means “Siwa Night”, is a holy day for the forgiveness of sin to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God). Siwa Ratri feast night also called penance. This feast day falls on purwaning tilem sasih kepitu.
Bali Holiday – Sabuh Mas Day
Three days after the day of Saraswati, on Anggara (or Tuesday), Wage, Wuku Sinta, is Sabuh Mas day. “Sabuh” means belt, and “Mas” means gold, that is came 210 days once. On this day, Balinese offerings to bring the vault or the place where their jewelry. They thank Mahadewa (manifestation of God) for the clothing, money, gold, etc. in our lives. This celebration remind them to be selective in spending the money.
Bali Holiday – Soma Ribek Day
Two days after the day of Saraswati, in Soma (or Monday), Pon, Wuku Sinta is Soma Ribek day. On this day, Balinese offerings to bring the box of rice. Thanks to God for the food and drink in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (goddess of prosperity, the manifestation of God) to give prosperity.
Bali Holiday – Banyu Pinaruh Day
Day after Saraswati Day is called Banyu Pinaruh Day. “Banyu” means water and “Pinaruh” means wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom is that flows like water and is useful for the human species. We pray Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us wisdom and intelligence.
Bali Holiday – Saraswati Day That Is Celebrated Each 210 Days
Today, January 03, 2008 – Balinese people celebrate the Knowledge Day. It was called Saraswati Day. Knowledge is very important to Balinese. They celebrate it each Saniscara, Umanis, Wuku Watugunung, that is based on the Pawukon (Balinese calendar). They celebrate Saraswati Day each 210 days and always on Saturday (Saniscara = Saturday).
The name came from Saraswati “Saras” meaning flow and “wati,” which means a woman. Therefore, Saraswati is a symbol of knowledge, its flow (or growth) is like a river and knowledge is very interesting, like a beautiful woman.
