Rahajeng Saraswati: Saraswati Day in Bali

Today is the day of Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and learning, and one of the most delightful days in the 210-day Balinese calendar. Children and young adults return to their schools to pay respect to their teachers. At one of ADI Rare Bhuana’s schools, elementary school SD2 Subagan in Karangasem, the children had a wonderful day.  Ibu Guri Komang Rina Yuliasmini, the teacher who coordinates with the Yayasan, has sent through some photos of the celebrations.

Tika has sent through this information about Saraswati and what happened yesterday and today and what will happen tomorrow. I’ve learned a lot from reading this:

Saraswati day

Knowledge is very important for Balinese. Today Balinese celebrate Saraswati day.  Every Saniscara, Umanis, WukuWatugunung, they celebrate Saraswati Day, the knowledge day. It is based on the Pawukon (Balinese calendar) system and the Saniscara (seven day cycle).

The name Saraswati came from “Saras” meaning flow and “wati” meaning a women. So, Saraswati is symbol of knowledge, its flow (or growth) is like a river and knowledge is very interesting, like a beautiful women.

Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain (genitri with 108 pieces) symbolising that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument (guitar or wina) symbolising that science develops through the growth of culture.

The swans symbolise prudence, so that one’s knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest for Balinese.

In the afternoon of Saraswati day we are not permitted to read or write the book because all the books are offered. In the evening, called Malam Sastra, people read books (especially religious books) in their houses or in the temple.

Pangredanan (the day before Saraswati)
This is the day of preparation. All the books and lontar are collected together, cleaned and dusted.

Saraswati Day
Saraswati day itself is celebrated by the Balinese people bringing offerings to their holy books and scrolls in their houses, while students celebrate it at school, usually in the morning, and the office-workers in their office. The philosophy of Saraswati day is that the most important thing for human life is knowledge.

Banyu Pinaruh
The day after Saraswati Day is Banyu Pinaruh day. “Banyu” means water and “Pinaruh” mean wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom which always
flows like water and which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom. The people usually take a bath in the sea or a lake or river and drink traditional medicine which is made from many various leaves which is very good for our health. The philosophy of Banyu Pinaruh day is the second most important thing for human life is good health.

In 210 days, it will all happen again. Happy Saraswati Day, children of ADI Rare Bhuana.

A new school year

The new school year, 2017-8 started last week and on Tuesday Tika made a trip to Karangasem to distribute backpacks and equipment to 14 children. One boy also received a bicycle and there’s a bit of a story there. The next post will talk all about that trip with photos but first, where is ADI Rare Bhuana at in 2017? Some statistics:

• • Desa Subagan, Karangasem: 6 elementary children (including two starting school for the first time) and 2 at junior high.
  • Desa Jasi, Karangasem: 3 elementary children; 2 junior high and 1 older girl at a vocational school.
  • Desa Seraya, Karangasem: 8 elementary children; 1 junior high
  • Gianyar: 1 elementary student, with two disabled parents; 1 at a hotel and cruise training college with some expenses covered by the college
  • Lovina, Buleleng: 1 elementary student, also with both parents disabled.

In total, the foundation is supporting 26 children and young people this coming school year. How?

Well, six of these have sponsors who have donated the IDR2.000.000 necessary to cover expenses. But that leaves another 20 without sponsorship.

Some of these six donors have actually contributed more than asked for so some additional expenses are catered for.  Tika sells her wonderful paintings and proceeds go to the foundation, as do donations from Gusti’s clients as he drives them around the island as a guide. Balinese and other friends make contributions as they can but the figures speak for themselves.

The solution is simple: more sponsors!  If you can help, and also spread the word, 20 young Balinese people will have a brighter future. The bank details are on the Contact page. The children and their families will be forever appreciative as will Tika and Gusti. You will realise how much when you visit Bali and go out to the villages to meet the children and their families.

This site will grow and continue to be a source of information about the work of ADI Rare Bhuana, past, present and future. To keep updated subscribe at the link on the sidebar. More soon.