Banyu Pinaruh

Banyu Pinaruh is one of the key events held during Saraswati celebrations in Bali. The event is celebrated every 210 days following the Balinese Calendar.

At the core of this event is celebrating the virtue of knowledge and its role in the present-day world.

‘Banyu Pinaruh’ is derived from two words: Banyuh, which translates to ‘holy waters’ and Pinaruh, which means ‘knowledge’. Combining the two words means that locals regard this as celebrating the sacred waters of knowledge. This is derived from the fact that locals believe that Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, gave knowledge to the human race on this particular day.

As a cultural ritual that is part of Bali’s traditions, the event is characterised by a gathering of the locals in the early morning at any of the following locations: the river banks, the shores of the lake, or the beach. Taking a bath at these locations is believed to rejuvenate the body and eliminate the mundane feeling of day-to-day activities.

This is often accompanied by the offering of sacrifices before the bath session. Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most famous sea temples, is a favourite destination for Banyu Pinaruh, so visitors who want to join the locals can stop at this intricate sea temple.

Tanah Lot Temple is a unique temple perched on a rocky outcrop over the sea. Located near North Kuta, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bali. To get to the temple, you will walk through some stalls selling all kinds of food, drinks, and souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle for souvenirs, as the prices are “tourist prices” and can often be negotiated down.