Literally the word Pagerwesi means 'iron fence' - pager (fence) and wesi (iron) - 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 Day 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.The Pagerwesi occur every 210 days on Wednesday Kliwon Sinta (the first Wednesday in Balinese Pawukon calendar). The celebration is based on the ancient scripture, Sundarigama, which stated that Budha Kliwon Shinta Ngaran Pagerwesi payogan Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru kairing ring watek Dewata Nawa Sanga ngawerdhiaken sarwa tumitah sarwatumuwuh ring bhuana kabeh, means Wednesday Kliwon Shinta is known as Pagerwesi, when Sanghyang Pramesti Guru (God as Supreme Teacher) with Dewata Nawa Sanga (Gods that protect nine directions) meditate for the welfare of all being in the world.
On this day, Balinese make and present special offerings to the Sanghyang Pramesti Guru (God as Supreme Teacher) as a sign of gratitude to the God as Supreme teacher and the gods of nine directions for their meditation. Another offering is also presented to the holy spirit of each family's ancestors, a ceremony and prayers are held at respective family temple as well as at village temples throughout the island. All members of the family also make a visit to their deceased family member that has not been cremated in the cemetery.
In India itself, Pagerwesi is known as Guru Puja or Guru Purnima and has similar meaning but celebrate in different way and different day, Guru Puja is come every Purnama Kasa or the first new moon every year.
There is a great difference on manner and scale of festivity in celebrating Pagerwesi between south Bali and North Bali. In South Bali, Pagerwesi is celebrated modestly and with little pomposity and festivity. However, in Singaraja area - north Bali, people celebrate it feverishly. Pigs and chicken are killed and cooked into various traditional Balinese dishes, make a visit to the relative and give a sumptuous feast to the visiting relatives are obligatory. Penjor is erected in every house compound's gate. North Bali Singaraja is full with celebration and festivity, and could be phenomenal.
Easy Speak : nice info... btw, thanks for share
ReplyDelete