Today is Pagerwesi Day, the Day of the Iron Fence. Pagerwesi marks the beginning of a new cycle in the Balinese ceremonial year and also the end of a small cycle of ceremonies that started at Seraswati Day.
The last few days people has been going to the sea to bathe and be purified, fishermen has made offerings to their boats and nets, farmers to their crops and rice barns and lovers of bling to golden jewelry and ancient chinese coins. But today is dedicated to nothing less than the battle against evil.
Many years ago an ancient battle between good and evil was fought on this day and the Balinese use this day to strengthen their own defense against the forces of evil through prayers and meditation. And in cemeteries offerings are made for the dead who has not yet been cremated. The Balinese also show their respect for Shiva in the aspect of teacher, in sanskrit Guru. In Indian Hinduism this day is known as Guru Puja or Guru Purnima.
In South Bali the celebrations are modest. Pagerwesi is an important ceremony but the village streets look like they would on any other day. In North Bali, however, the celebrations are feverish. Countless pigs and chicken loose their lives to end up in traditional Balinese meals, beautifully decorated bamboo poles called penjor line every street, sumptuous feasts are held for visiting relatives and the villages are alive with the sound of chanting and parties.
Happy Iron Fence day.
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