DENPASAR (indo.com): The four days leading up to February 13 2002 are particularly important days in the Balinese calendar. These first four days of the new Pawukon cycle are most enthusiastically celebrated in North Bali, where the tall decorated bamboo poles known as penjors are erected throughout villages just as they are for Galungan. Special offerings are given to the uncremated dead in the cemeteries, and celebrations held in every house and temple compound.

The climax of these four days - February 13 - is known as Pagerwesi. The name is derived from the words 'pager' and 'wesi', meaning 'fence' and 'iron' respecitvely. The name 'iron fence' suggests that one should protect oneself with a strong barrier against the forces of evil.

Pagerwesi day is also a day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil is celebrated. The three days preceding Pagerwesi have special names and are for special activities. Sunday, the first day of Pawukon is called "Banyu Pinaruh". Many people who live near the sea go to the beach at dawn and symbolically purify themselves by bathing.

This is a special day for fishermen, who make offerings for their boats and nets. Monday is called Soma Ribek, a day that is not widely celebrated. Tuesday is Sabuh Emas, when one is supposed to make offerings for jewelry, especially that of gold and for the Chinese coins that are often used in many kinds of offerings.

Pagerwesi Day falls twice a year, as do other Balinese Hindu celebrations such as temple anniversaries, Galungan & Kuningan day, Saraswati, Otonan (Balinese birthday celebration) and many others are also based on the Pawukon.