South Kuta, Bali - Pagerwesi is one of Balinese Ceremony which held
once every 6 months according to the Pawukon Calendar System. Pagerwesi day
falls on Wednesday, Buda Kliwon Sinta (Balinese Calendar) which is the first
week in Balinese Pawukon Calendar System. Etymologically, pagerwesi derived
from the word pager (fence) and wesi (iron) which means a strong self –
protection to our mind against evil or in Balinese language is known as “magehang
awak”. Pagerwesi is also called as “rerainan gumi” by the Balinese and means
the holiday for every background (caste).
Pagerwesi is ceremony dedicated to honor
Siva, The God who is responsible to wipe out all the evil doing and bad
entities in the world. Since Pagerwesi falls three days after Saraswati day,
there’s continuity meaning between them that knowledge must be protected from
bad influence. During Pagerwesi, Balinese held Tapa Brata or meditation to
refresh and calm their mind. They will also held a ritual procession with pray
at nearest temple or praying at Besakih or Jagatnata Temple.
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