Saraswati Day is held in honor of Dewi Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and learning. This day, celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese Calendar, is one where people engage in prayer and the provision of offerings as forms of worship and gratitude.

This event is held at Sekar Jaya’s banjar community center in Berkeley. Everyone is welcome, though special respect and space should be given to members of the Balinese community for this occasion to celebrate. You can learn more about Saraswati Day here: Hari Saraswati

Ceremonial preparations and prayer for the Sekar Jaya community take place during the first half of the day, followed by the public open house beginning at 1pm. The open house will include casual performances by Sekar Jaya ensembles and a free beginner workshop.

We’ll also be celebrating the public launch of the Banjar Jaya Campaign, an exciting opportunity to support Gamelan Sekar Jaya’s long-term sustainability as a center for the Balinese performing arts in the Bay Area. We’ll have plenty of information to share with you about this exciting opportunity!

Here is a loose schedule on the day’s festivities:

8:00am - 1:00pm ~ Ceremony, preparation, Sekar Jaya and Balinese Community gathering.

1:00pm ~ Sekar Jaya’s Open House officially begins with performances by our gong kebyar, angklung, dance ensembles.

2:00pm ~ Announcements and public launch of the Banjar Jaya Campaign

2:30pm ~ Free music workshops on gamelan jegog

Visitors on Saraswati Day are encouraged to bring a scarf to tie around their waist (called a selendang) to show respect for Balinese traditions on holy days. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry! We’ll provide one for you.

This event will be free of charge and will take place mostly outdoors in the banjar garden. All ages are welcome. Masks are optional while outdoors and mandatory when indoors.

Bring a friend, enjoy the show and give thanks for the joy of learning and the arts!

If you would like to participate in the morning ceremony or have any questions, please reach out to kanya@gsj.org.

Bannerhead photograph taken by Phil Cox