Balinese to celebrate "Pagerwesi" Day

DENPASAR (indo.com): Travelers to Bali will have an unprecedented opportunity to witness a series of ritual ceremonies when the Balinese Hindus celebrate Pagerwesi Day. This year's Pagerwesi Day falls on December 29, 2004.

The Pagerwesi Day will be preceded by the celebration of Soma Ribek on Monday December 27, 2004, during which time a series of ritual ceremonies are held. Sabuh Emas will be celebrated the following day, on Tuesday, December 28. During the celebration, colorful offering are made and dedicated to the Lord of Jewelries, especially gold jewelries and Chinese coins. The Pagerwesi Day, which will fall on December 29, will be the peak of the ritual ceremonies.

The first four of the new Pawukon (the rotation of moon on its own) cycle are special religious days and most Balinese people in the northern part of Bali celebrate it feverishly. The day is called Pagerwesi. It is a special day for Hindus, where some people put up "penjors" (a tall decorated bamboo - pole) just as for Galungan and where special offerings are made for the dead bodies that have not been cremated in the cemeteries. It is usually held at every house compound and temples.

The word of Pagerwesi is derived from two words: pager (fence) and wesi (iron). Pagerwesi literally means the day of "iron fence". The Hindus religious suggestion is that one should surround oneself with a strong fortification against the forces of evil.

The Pagerwesi day is also a day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil is celebrated.

Based on the Pakuwon, the Pagerwesi is celebrated twice a year like other Balinese Hindu celebrations such as temple anniversaries, Galungan & Kuningan Day, Saraswati and Otonan (Balinese birthday celebration).