Bali, known for its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant traditions, celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. Among these, Saraswati Day stands out as a unique celebration dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom – Goddess Saraswati. This auspicious day, which falls on the Balinese Hindu calendar’s “Pakuwon” cycle, specifically on the last Saturday of the Waturenggong month, is a testament to the island’s reverence for learning and enlightenment.
Saraswati, the luminous deity adorned in white, embodies purity and the serene flow of knowledge. Her four arms hold symbols of intellectual and artistic pursuits: the veena, representing the music of life; a book, signifying the sacred scriptures and knowledge; a rosary, symbolizing the meditation and contemplation necessary for true understanding; and musical instruments, symbolizing high culture, offering comfort to those bewildered or in darkness. Similarly, science provides a path out of obscurity.
On Saraswati Day, the Balinese honor these attributes through rituals that are both a spiritual homage and a reminder of the sanctity of learning. Saraswati Day is imbued with a philosophy that transcends religious boundaries. It is a celebration of “vidya” (true knowledge) over “avidya” (ignorance). In the Balinese understanding worldwide, knowledge is not merely academic but an experiential and holistic understanding of life and the universe. It encompasses the arts, sciences, spirituality, and ethical living.
Following the reverent observance of Saraswati Day, Banyu Pinaruh, celebrated the next day, brings the spiritual focus to purification and renewal. “Banyu” means water, and “Pinaruh” denotes wisdom, signifying the cleansing of the body and soul with holy water to attain wisdom and clarity.
At dawn, the Balinese people flock to the sea, rivers, and other water sources, seeking the purifying essence of nature. The act of bathing in these sacred waters is more that a ritual; it is a profound act of purification, symbolizing the cleansing of impurities and the renewal of both body and spirit.
As we witness or partake in these sacred celebrations, we are reminded of the eternal quest for enlightenment that lies at the heart of human existence. In honoring Goddess Saraswati and embracing the purifying waters of Banyu Pinaruh, we reconnect with the divine source of wisdom and the pure essence of our being.