Pagerwesi Day

The Balinese celebrate the Pagerwesi ceremony every six months according to the Balinese calendar. The celebration is usually falls 3 days after the Saraswati day.

Pagerwesi commemorates the day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil was fought. The word Pagerwesi means “iron fence” and reflects the purpose of this important event: it is the day to strengthen one's fortifications against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and the Saraswati is that knowledge is so powerful that it must be protected from the bad influences. Pagerwesi Day reminds people to be wise and more aware of the function and power of knowledge.

During Pagerwesi, people make special offerings for the dead who have not yet been cremated. Observances are usually held at every house compound and at temples.