The Hindu calendar in Bali is full of holidays and celebrations, not all of them are official public holidays, but all of them have significance for the local people.
Pagerwesi is one such holiday and it’s important to know, at least, a little about it as there’s an aspect of this holiday that can have a real impact on holidaymakers and expats alike.
What Is The Purpose Of Pagerwesi?
Pagerwesi is a holiday about strengthening the spirit of people. The name means “Iron Fence” or “Iron Gate” and people offer their prayers to protect and save humanity.
The idea is that if people are wise, there will be no swan song for the human race, if we neglect knowledge then it’s all too easy to turn to the darkness that lies in us all.
The day is very much related to Saraswati Day which occurs just a few days before and Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge.
The people of Bali believe that if this holiday passes successfully that we will be safe from evil men and from the evil spirits of the dead. (This is a belief found in the traditional pre-Hindu animist faith of Bali).
When Is Pagerwesi?
Pagerwasi will fall on the 13th of May in 2024 and then every 210 days after that on the third day following Saraswati Day.
So, that’s the 29th of November 2024, the 23rd of September 2025, the 18th of April 2026 and the 30th of October 2026, then the 28th of June 2027, and the 24th of February 2028.
Which God Is Pagerwesi For?
The Balinese honour Shiva on this day and this is in relation to Saraswati Day which falls three days before. So, Shiva is honoured for the knowledge that he gave the world and Bali on this day. (Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, after all).
The idea is that knowledge will help the people of Bali stay away from bad influences and ensure they are not subject to any kind of abuse.
How To Greet Balinese People For Pagerwesi
If you would like to spread some good cheer and show the people of Bali that you’re interested in them and their culture, you can offer up a pleasant; “Selamat Hari Raya Pagerwesi” to the people you meet on this auspicious occasion.
(It translates to “Hello on this day of rejoicing, Pagerwesi”, nearly all special festivals are considered to be “hari raya” – days of rejoicing or celebration – in Indonesia).
The Minor Holidays Before Pagerwesi
Soma Ribek (2 Days Prior)
This day falls on the Monday before the Pagerwesi festival and it’s dedicated to Bhatari Sri. She is the goddess of rice and plenty. Balinese pray on this day so that the gods will bless them with enough rice to eat in the following year. Offerings made to the goddess on this day are placed in a rice pot for additional symbolism.
Sabuh Mas (1 Day Prior)
The words “Sabuh Mas” literally mean “to spread gold” and Balinese make prayers and offerings to the gods on this day hoping that they will be made prosperous in the year to come.
Important: Why You Need To Know About The Pagerwesi Holiday As A Foreigner
You don’t have to be a Balinese Hindu to have some knowledge of the Balinese culture and in this case, there’s a very practical reason to be aware of this special day. While it’s not an official holiday, you will find that it may be treated as one by the immigration office in Bali.
They are often closed either for the morning of the day or for the whole day. So, if you think you need immigration services on this day, it would be a good idea to call them to see if they are around to help.
FAQs
What Is Pagerwesi In English?
It means “Iron Fence” or, perhaps, “Iron Gate”. This refers to the barrier against evil that the knowledge of Lord Shiva and Saraswati can provide.
How Do Balinese People Celebrate Pagerwesi?
It varies from region to region. Many folks in Bali will celebrate Saraswati Day and then follow on with a bigger celebration on Pagerwesi.
However, it’s worth noting that this is the only major ceremony in Bali to take place at night not in the daytime.
You can see the villages where this festival is important preparing in the days leading up to the festival and there will be penjor (the tall-decorated bamboo poles) in the temple grounds and around them.
People will offer prayers to the gods in their own homes and at their local temples.
What Is The Rite Of Passage In Bali?
The rite of passage in Bali is known as “Metatah” and it’s a unique ceremony in which the child will have up to 2mm removed from their teeth! (Don’t worry though, the child is not harmed by this process, the people of Bali love children).
What Is Saraswati The Goddess Of? What Is Saraswati Devi For? Why Do Hindus Worship Saraswati?
Saraswati is the representation of knowledge for Hindus on the island. She originally appears in myth as Saraswati the sacred river, before taking a human form as Vac, the goddess of speech (from which knowledge must flow).
Saraswati is a consort, or perhaps relative, of Brahma the ultimate Hindu god.
You will also find Saraswati associated with music, abundance, wealth, flowing water, and learning.
You will recognize Saraswati in pictures as she is pictured with four arms (each of which holds a symbol of her power).
Interestingly, Saraswati is also acknowledged as sacred by many Buddhists in Southeast Asia and East Asia. In China, Saraswati is known as the “Eloquent Talent Deity”.
You may hear of Saraswati being called Brahmani, Brahmi, Bharadi, Vani, Vachi, Varnesvari, and Kavijihvagravasin (interestingly, this last means “one who dwells on the tongues of poets” though we find Saraswati rather easier to pronounce).
How Do You Book A Holiday In Bali To See Pagerwasi?
We are sure that if Saraswati made recommendations of tour companies, she’d opt for the Bali Res Centre as the best place to book a Bali holiday.
However, it’s important to realize that while you can see the preparations for Pagerwesi, foreigners are not allowed into the parts of temples where the ceremonies take place.
Final Thoughts On Pagerwasi
The day of spiritual strengthening that is Pagerwesi is a fascinating local tradition and it’s nice to witness some of the celebrations around it.
Everyone should spend some time at a temple in Bali during a holiday here as the Hindu faith is one of the most important aspects of the culture on the island.
