HARI RAYA SARASWATI
This ceremony honors Batari Dewi Saraswati, wife of Brahma, goddess of arts, knowledge and science.
Saraswati rules the intellectual and creative realm, and is the patron goddess of libraries and schools. Balinese Hindus believe that knowledge is an essential medium to achieve the goal of life as a human being. This ceremony celebrates the time when the Gods brought knowledge and wisdom to the Earth. On this day no one is allowed to read or write, and offerings are made to the lontar (palm-leaf manuscripts), books, and shrines. Saraswati Day is celebrated every 210 days and marks the start of the new year according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar.
Ceremonies and prayers are held at the temples in family compounds, villages and businesses from morning to noon. Prayers are also held in school or any other learning institution temples. Teachers and students abandon their uniforms for the day in place of bright and colourful ceremony gear, filling the island with color. Children bring fruit and traditional cakes to school for offerings.
If you are about to attend an exam after your return, this one is for you!
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