As this July is totally different from the last years, we thought it is a great idea to show how to celebrate/honor the holidays and events without leaving the house or joining big gatherings, but also with an opportunity to support the Island in time of need. Find after each festivity date an alternative column called ‘why not’….

Saraswati

Saraswati day is devoted to Dewi Saraswati, the Goddess of Science & Knowledge. Books of knowledge, manuscripts, and the Wedas are blessed and special offerings are made for them. All Balinese make offerings to their books especially students celebrate at school, usually in the morning. Saraswati Day is not a day off work, so all offices and banks are open. The day after Saraswati is called Banyu Pinaruh. Taken together, the words mean that one must have wisdom (Pinaruh) which always flows like water (Banyu). In the early morning of Banyu Pinaruh Day, the Balinese will go to the beaches, rivers, and springs to purify themselves and pray for wisdom. Learn more about Saraswati Day here.

When         :      4. July 2020
Where        :      All over Bali
Why not     :      donate to some of Bali´s well-known animal projects

 

Banyu Pinaruh

Banyu Pinaruh is one of the key events held one day after Saraswati celebrations in Bali: Banyuh, which translates to ‘holy waters’ and Pinaruh means ‘knowledge’ -  the celebration of the sacred waters of knowledge. It is said that Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning, gave knowledge to the human race on this particular day. As a cultural ritual that is part of the traditions in Bali, you can see the Balinese mostly in the refreshing early morning hours at any of the following locations: the river banks, the shores of the lake or at the beach. Taking a bath at these locations is believed to rejuvenate the body and get rid of the mundane feeling that comes from day to day activities. This is often accompanied by the offering of sacrifices prior to the bath session.

When         :     5. July 2020    
Where        :     Multiple Beaches, nearest holy spring water or  Family Temple all over the island
Why not     :     donate to one of Bali´s most recommended education programs

 

Soma Ribek

Soma Ribek is a key festival in Bali commonly referred to as Soma Pon Wuku Sprott. It is an obvious fact that food is an integral part of daily life and the Balinese Hindus seek to show their gratitude for the availability of food on the island. Since rice is the staple food in Bali, it is quite obvious why this would be the symbolic offering of choice. To mark Soma Ribek, locals will stop grinding, pounding or selling rice in honor of this day. The locals thank God for the food available in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri, the Balinese pre-Hindu and pre-Islam goddess of rice and fertility, to give prosperity. All offerings, divine teachings and symbolic acts are a fundamental part of Soma Ribek. While foreigners should not take part in the rituals, it is important that they respect the customs of the day, including understanding the unavailability of rice in some areas

When         :     6. July. 2020
Where        :     All over Bali
Why not     :     donate to some of Bali´s well known community projects

https://www.balispirit.com/community/ngos#COMMUNITY-DEVELOPMENT

 

Pagerwesi

Pagerwesi commemorates the day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil was fought. The word “Pagerwesi” means “iron fence”, and reflects the purpose of this important event: it is the day to strengthen one’s fortifications against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and the Saraswati is that knowledge is so powerful that it must be protected from bad influences. Pagerwesi Day reminds people to be wise and more aware of the function and power of knowledge. The Balinese celebrate the Pagerwesi ceremony every six months according to the Balinese calendar and is usually held three days after the last Saraswati day. Learn more about Pagerwesi Day here.

When         :     8. July 2020
Where        :     All over Bali
Why not     :     donate to some of Bali´s well-known health projects

 

Tumpek Landep

Nowadays Tumpek Landep is a ceremonial day at which offerings are made for objects that are made of metal. The ceremonies start in the morning hours at the village temple when people gather for special prayers and blessings. Afterward, at the home compounds, additional ceremonies and blessings follow at which offerings are made for the holy family keris that most families own, but also for cars and motorbikes. In these modern times, also other objects that contain metal, such as computers, may be subject to these ceremonies. Learn more about this holiday here.

When         :     18. July 2020
Where        :     All over Bali
Why not     :     donate to some of Bali´s well-known environment projects

 

What weather to expect in Bali in July           

The dry season from April until October has pleasant weather for visitors of all ages: not too hot, not too humid, just the perfect temperature with a light breeze.
Even the water temperature during that season drops slightly, which is really refreshing, but there is no need for a wetsuit. The evenings become a little bit cooler, so some may feel the need to wear a light jacket when riding the scooter/motorbike or during the sunset at the beaches. Surf-wise it is the best season for all the famous spots around the Bukit Peninsula which is located in the southern part of the island.
For all activities from Yoga classes to taking pictures on your day trips, this season offers the best weather and conditions. Being in Bali for the first time in July was a stunning experience.