Pagerwesi, January 16, 2013

Posted by Umi Haroh on 8th January, 2013

Hari Raya Pagerwesi, The name literally means 'iron fence', on which day ceremonies and prayers are held for strong mental and spiritual defense in welcoming the Galungan holiday.

Pagerwesi is the day when the Balinese strengthen their minds and souls against evil forces.

Pagerwesi is also called "rerainan gumi" by the Balinese and means the holiday for everyone from every background (read: caste) from the families of priests to the common families. Pagerwesi is celebrated every 210 days on Wednesday of Shinta (the first week in the Balinese Pawukon calendar system).

Etymologically Pagerwesi derives from the two Balinese words pager and wesi, which means fence and iron. The iron fence is a symbol of strong self-protection and on pagerwesi the Balinese focuses on building a strong personal fortification to ensure that evil don't enter their minds, speech and deeds, so won't do harm their surroundings.

The God who is worshipped on Pagerwesi is Sanghyang Paramesti Guru or God Siva - the god who is responsible to wipe out all the bad and evil entities in the world. Also known as teacher or guru of the universe, Sanghyang Paramesti Guru, also leads and teaches human on how to live their life appropriately, without giving in to bad behavior and evil desires.

In many regions in Bali, Pagerwesi is considered to be a really important holiday which is celebrated excessively in a similar fashion to Galungan Day, includinf erections of penjors(tall decorated bamboo poles) The Balinese show their gratitude to Sanghyang Paramesti Guru by making offerings, praying in their houses and visiting temples.

Last changed: 8th January, 2013 at 4:21 PM

Back to Overview

Start from USD 78 (10% Off)

Bali Rafting by ALAM

ALAM is a professional Bali rafting company that is ready to assist and accompany you to explore the beautiful panorama and the extreme current of Telaga Waja river, Karangasem -- one of the best rivers in Bali --, it's will completed 14 km distance in around 2 hours.

Start from USD 78 (10% Off)

Bali Cycling by ALAM

The package is an alternative offer to break a way from main roads and busy towns to discovery an abundance of exotic nature environment. A hectare of coffee and cocoa plantation, native village with plural life, breath taking at river valleys, jungle forest and exotic green rice field.

Start from USD 630 (10% Off)

Komodo Island Tour

The Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays.