SARASWATI Day is an important celebration in the Hindu tradition in Bali (Indonesia), which is celebrated every six months (210 days) based on the Pawukon calendar. To be precise, this holiday falls on Saniscara (Saturday) Umanis Watugunung. The upcoming Saraswati Day falls on Saturday (July 13, 2024).
Saraswati is the goddess of science, arts and music in Hinduism. This celebration not only has a deep spiritual meaning, but also conveys a moral message that is relevant in modern life.
Meaning of Philosophy
In Hindu tradition, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes intelligence, wisdom and creativity. She is depicted as a beautiful goddess, sitting on a lotus flower, holding a veena (musical instrument), scriptures, and a rosary. The main philosophy behind Saraswati worship is the importance of education and knowledge as a foundation for achieving a better life.
In the current context, this reminds us of the importance of lifelong learning and self-development.
Ritual Procession
Saraswati Day celebrations in Bali begin with a series of rituals carried out at homes, schools and temples. The following are the stages of the ritual procession that are commonly carried out:
- Preparation: On the night before Saraswati Day, Hindus in Bali prepare offerings consisting of fruit, flowers and traditional cakes. Holy books and writing utensils are also cleaned and decorated.
- Prayers at Home: In the morning, families offer prayers at their respective homes. They worship Goddess Saraswati with offerings and incense, asking for blessings and guidance in studying and working.
- Prayers at School: At school, students and teachers gather to perform prayer ceremonies. Books and writing instruments were placed on special altars for worship. This ritual emphasizes the importance of education and respect for knowledge.
- Praying at the Temple: After leaving home and school, Hindus go to the temple to continue praying. In temples, ceremonies are held on a larger scale and involve a wider community.
Moral Messages in the Current Context
- The Importance of Education: In the modern era, Saraswati Day reminds us of the importance of education as the key to achieving progress and prosperity. Knowledge is power that can open the door to various opportunities and innovation.
- Respect for Science and Arts: This celebration also emphasizes the importance of appreciating science and art. In a fast-paced and materialistic life, we often forget the values of wisdom and the beauty of art which can enrich the soul.
- Personal Development and Creativity: Goddess Saraswati is a symbol of creativity. In a world that continues to develop, the ability to think creatively and innovatively is very important. This celebration encourages us to continue to develop our potential and contribute positively to society.
- Togetherness and Harmony: Saraswati Day ceremonies also strengthen social ties and togetherness in society. Through shared rituals, Balinese people strengthen mutual respect and work together to achieve common goals.
The next day is combined with the Banyu Pinaruh celebration, where people clean and purify (melukat) themselves by washing themselves at water sources such as rivers, lakes, beji (natural water fountains) or beaches. With the means of canang sari, incense and other equipment, Hindus go to the water source to cleanse themselves which is preceded by prayer.
These water sources will be the center of crowds for people from morning to afternoon. On the beaches of tourist areas, foreign tourists usually join in to witness the uniqueness of this event and immortalize it.
Banyu Pinaruh falls on Redite (Sunday) Paing Sinta, which is the beginning of the next Pawukon New Year. However, the Pawukon year does not use year numbers like the Saka or AD years. Well, what’s more unique is that welcoming the Pawukon New Year is carried out by spiritually cleansing oneself, which is different from welcoming the Saka New Year which is preceded with series of rituals for purification of universe.
Conclusion
Saraswati Day celebrations in Bali are a tradition rich in philosophical meaning and moral messages. Through solemn and meaningful ritual processions, Hindus in Bali strengthen their commitment to education, science, art and wisdom.
In the current context, this celebration reminds us of the importance of lifelong education, appreciation for science and art, and the importance of self-development and creativity. More than that, Saraswati Day is also a momentum to strengthen togetherness and harmony in society.
