February is a month rich in cultural and spiritual significance for the Balinese, featuring three key ceremonies that reflect their deep connection to knowledge, tradition, and spirituality.  

Hari Raya Saraswati (8 February 2025)

This day honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, art, and wisdom. Balinese Hindus present offerings to books, lontar manuscripts, and sacred objects of learning, which are temporarily not used as a mark of reverence. Rituals are performed at homes and temples, symbolizing enlightenment and the beginning of the new Pawukon calendar year.  

Pagerwesi (12 February 2025)

Four days after Saraswati, Pagerwesi, meaning “iron fence,” is celebrated. It symbolizes the fortification of knowledge against negative forces. The Balinese reflect on the importance of protecting wisdom and using it to overcome adversity, creating a profound link between Saraswati and Pagerwesi.  

Tumpek Landep (22 February 2025)

Tumpek Landep is dedicated to metal objects, from ancestral weapons to modern tools, symbolizing the sharpness of mind and technological progress. Offerings are made to honor these objects and their transformative power, highlighting the fusion of tradition and innovation.