Every 210 days, the Hindu community in Bali celebrates Saraswati Day with reverence and joy.
This sacred day falls on Saniscara Umanis in the Watugunung week of the Balinese Pawukon calendar.
For the Balinese Hindus, Saraswati marks the descent of divine knowledge to the world, symbolized by the goddess Saraswati — the deity of wisdom, learning, art, and literature.
Despite the march of modernity, Balinese Hindus faithfully preserve this ancestral tradition.
From early morning, a unique atmosphere takes over temples, schools, and homes.
Sacred texts, ancient lontar manuscripts, and schoolbooks are cleaned and adorned with offerings and flowers.
Devotees dressed in traditional attire gather with offerings as a form of homage to knowledge itself.
Goddess Saraswati is portrayed gracefully seated upon a white swan, a symbol of wisdom.
In her four hands, she holds a sacred scripture, a prayer bead (genitri), a musical instrument (vina), and a lotus flower — each item bearing deep meaning: the sanctity of knowledge, spiritual wisdom, the soul-stirring beauty of art, and the enlightenment brought by understanding.
Interestingly, on this day, Hindus refrain from reading or writing, especially sacred texts.
This is not to shun knowledge, but to show profound respect — a day to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the gift of learning.
Saraswati Day is also part of a greater spiritual series of observances.
The following day is Banyu Pinaruh, where devotees bathe in the sea, rivers, or springs to purify themselves after receiving knowledge.
This is followed by Soma Ribek, a day of gratitude for agricultural abundance; Sabuh Mas, a day to pray for material wealth; and culminates in Pagerwesi, a day to strengthen faith and protect the soul spiritually.
More than just a ritual, Saraswati Day is a celebration of both intellect and spirit.
It teaches that knowledge is light, and in that light, one can walk through life with wisdom.
In Bali, knowledge is not only studied — it is honored, sanctified, and celebrated — a timeless lesson for anyone, anywhere. (BT)
