Today is a Saraswati day , The Important day for Balinese
people. A day to celebrate the Knowledge. It is very important for
Balinese. Every Saniscara,Umanis , wuku watugunung . They celebrate Saraswati
day, The Knowlegde Day. It’s base on Pawukon (Balinese Calendar system) and
Saniscara (Seven day cycle).
The Name of Saraswati came from “Saras” meaning flow and
“Wati” meaning a woman. So, Saraswati is symbol of knowledge, it’s flow or
growth is like a river abd knowledge is very interesting, like a beautiful
women.
Dewi Saraswati is the Female counter part of Balinese God
Dewa Brahma, the manisfestation of the almighty infinite spirit as the creator.
Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge , symbolized by a beautiful woman with
four hands, riding on a white swamamong water lilies to tell humanity that
science is like a beautiful woman
Her hands hold a palm hand leaf; a lontar ( a Balinese
tradisional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain (
genitri with 108 pieces ) symbolizing that knowledge is never ending and has an
everlasting life cycle; and a Musical instrument ( guitar or wina ) symbolizing
than science develops through the growth of culture. The Swam symbolize
prudence , so that one’s knowledge may distinguish between good and evil; and
water lilies ( Lotus ) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest
for Balinese.
During Saraswati Day, it is not allowed to read or write
because all the books are piled highand blessed with offering of fruits, flowers
and sprinkling of holy water.
People should pray and meditate instead in yhe evening, called Malam Sastra.People Read Book (especially religious books in their house or in the temple all night long.
