(1/11/2013)
As Bali embarks on 2013, the island’s predominantly Hindu population will celebrate a number of important holidays on their sacred calendar.
On January 10-11, 2013 the Balinese paused to reflect on their sins during Hari Siwarati. On the Balinese calendar, Hari Siwarati falls once every 420 days, on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 7th month of the Bali Hindu Calendar - panglong ping 14 sasih kepitu.
Siwarati celebrations are centered at Bali’s most sacred mother-temple of Pura Besakih, located on the slopes of Mt. Agung, some 80 kilometres north of the Island’s capital of Denpasar.
Many Balinese give full meaning to the day meant to inspire meditation and reflection on personal sins and shortcomings by refraining for eating, drinking, speaking and even sleeping on Hari Siwarati. Ritual prayers were held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013, five hours later at midnight and again on Friday morning at 05:00 am.
Lesser ceremonies are held at community temples in the traditional villages (desa adat) across Bali.
In close succession, on Saturday, January 12, 2013, the Balinese paid homage to learning and education by marking Hari Saraswati.
Four days later, on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, Hari Pagerwesi – is a day intended to instil and strengthen an individual’s spirituality.
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