Balinese Hindus to celebrate Saraswati Holiday

DENPASAR (indo.com): The very last day of the Balinese Pawukon, Saturday of the 30th week, Watugunung is a special day for the celebration of Saraswati Holiday, the day devoted to Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati, goddess of all knowledge and arts. This year's Saraswati Day falls on May 29.

This day is a time for making offerings for books, especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books and the celebrations are mostly conducted at every family compound, temple, academic institutions like schools and universities throughout Bali.

All books are the subjects of devotion on this day. One is expcted not read on Saraswati day (when the celebration is still going on), however, schools have special ceremonies and students squash to the big temple of Jagatnatha temple in downtown of Denpasar, for a special early morning ceremony in which they pray to reach success in their studies.

All daily grind is left for almost all day when the celebration day of Saraswati goes on, and of course on that day is a holiday for Balinese Hindu people. The Saraswati Day's eve is usually completed with "Mekekawin" (read an ancient Balinese letters, which are written on lontar leaves) and it is usually arranged by the students.

The Saraswati always comes twice a year, on Saturday.

According to Balinese Lunar Calendar, Saraswati falls on Watugunung (the last week of Balinese). All Balinese Hindu people welcome the descent of the God of knowledge by offering series of ceremonies started from early in the morning before noon or at the latest at 12.00 noon.

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