DENPASAR (indo.com): On July 18, 2001, four days after Saraswati Day, Balinese Hindus celebrated Pagerwesi day. The day is devoted to Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru, the God of Teachers, Lord of the Universe. Hindu followers pray for strong mental defence in welcoming the Galungan Holiday.

Pagerwesi Day is held twice a year, as are many other Balinese Hindu celebrations including temple anniversaries, "Galungan & Kuningan" day, "Saraswati", "Otonan" (Balinese birthday celebrations) and many others based on the Pawukon (the rotation of the moon). The Pagerwesi falls on the forth day in the Balinese new week of Sinta, the first of 30 weeks (wuku) that comprise 210 days (7 days X 30 wuku).

The Day is most fervently celebrated in North Bali, Buleleng, where some people put up "Penjor" (a tall arched bamboo pole decorated with young coconut leaves) just as they do for Galungan & Kuningan and where special offerings are made for the uncremated dead in the cemeteries. It is usually held at every compound and temple throughout Bali.

Special activities that have particular names are held three days preceding the Pagerwesi celebration. Sunday, the first day of the Pawukon, is called Banyu Pinaruh (a day after Saraswati Day).

On that day locals who live by the sea go to the beach at sundown and symbolically purify themselves by bathing. The day is considered special for fishermen who make offerings for their boats and nets.

Monday in the first week of the Balinese Pawukon is called Comaribek - although this day is not widely celebrated.

Tuesday is called Sabuh Emas, when one is supposed to make offerings of jewellery, particularly of Gold and Chinese coins. These are often used as an important element in the ceremonies.

The word Pagerwesi is derived from the words pager (fence) and wesi (iron). Wesi is a term used to describe a highly respected teacher. Pagerwesi literally means that one must control and protect the knowledge collected from teachers from being utilized to hurt others.