Sariswati Day

Having just mentioned holidays, it was a bit of surprise to learn that this is a major ceremonial time for another reason, and one dear to my heart.

We had noticed many people, including children and young adults, in temple dress, many carrying offerings, but some just going about normal business such as shopping. We had been in Sanur overnight so it wasn't until we got back to Ubud that we learned that it was Sariswati Day.

Sariswati is the goddess of learning and her day is marked, as usual, every 210 days, but (and I am not sure of how the maths work here) always on a Saturday. On this day young people and teachers return to their schools and universities to show gratitude for their knowledge. Offerings are made to books and libraries, but for some reason reading itself is not permitted on the day. Reflection about the wisdom gained from knowledge is the focus.

And is it just coincidence that we came across this beautiful statue of Sariswati yesterday before we became aware of her day? So much to learn about the Hindu deities, so little time to absorb it all.

Saraswati is a particularly beautiful goddess. She is depicted on a lotus flower and is conveyed by a swan (sometimes a goose) and a peacock. In her four arms she plays a musical instrument in two, and carries sacred writings, often on a lontar palm, and holy beads in the others. The best outline of the day I can find,  explaining the symbolism, is here and the ongoing ceremonies over the next few days, here.

Maybe we just haven't noticed before, but we saw offerings being made in the family temple quite late last night. The College was also open late, and in the distance temple sounds carried across the still night air. The dogs seemed very restless, so perhaps all this activity was unusual and unsettled them.

But such value given to knowledge? We could learn much ourselves, we Westerners who assume that a University education is a right when so much of the world can't assume the most fundamental of schoolings. Gratitude is never misplaced.

Baliselalu's short video will bring you here for 39 seconds:

And as a related aside, I have been asking to be surprised for breakfast every morning. Three months of having to decide what I would like has become a bit boring, so the kitchen is enjoying cooking something different each morning. Today we were surprised with a dish of nasi kuning, a scrumptious, spicy yellow rice dish that is only prepared, yes, every 210 days - the day following Sariswati day. Grateful to be here? You bet.