Ever heard about Triwara while talking about the Balinese calendar? For those of you living in Bali or just curious about the culture of the Island of the Gods, this term is probably no stranger. The Balinese calendar system is truly unique and very complex. Well, one important part of it is Triwara.
Let’s explore together what Triwara actually is, what its functions are for the Balinese people, and what meaning lies behind this day calculation.
What Is Triwara?
Linguistically, the word Triwara comes from Sanskrit. “Tri” means three, and “Wara” means day. So, simply put, Triwara is a three-day cycle in the Balinese Pawukon calendar system.
The Balinese calendar system has many wara cycles, ranging from a one-day cycle (Ekawara) to a ten-day cycle (Dasawara). Triwara is one of the most frequently used and easiest to memorize because there are only three days that rotate continuously.
Names of the Days in Triwara and Their Meanings
Since this is a three-day cycle, there are three day names that keep alternating. Here is the order:
Pasah: This is the first day in the Triwara cycle.
Beteng (or Tegeh): This is the second day in the middle of the cycle.
Kajeng: This is the third day, or the closing day, in the Triwara cycle.
These three days rotate non-stop. After Kajeng, the next day goes back to Pasah, and so on, every three days.
The Function of Triwara in Balinese Daily Life
You might be wondering, why is this three-day cycle needed? It turns out that Triwara has very practical functions that are closely tied to the daily lives of Balinese Hindus.
Determining Market Days: In the past and even now in some traditional villages, Triwara is used to determine when a village market opens or when the market is busiest. For example, there are markets that open specifically on Pasah day, or markets where the peak crowd always falls on Beteng day.
Finding Auspicious Days (Dewasa Ayu): Balinese people strongly believe in auspicious days for carrying out activities. Triwara is used as one of the elements to determine these good days. For instance, certain combinations of days in Triwara are considered very good for starting to plant rice, building a house, or holding a traditional ceremony.
Guideline for the Kajeng Kliwon Ceremony: You must have heard this one often. The meeting of Kajeng day (the third day of Triwara) with Kliwon day (the fifth day of the five-day cycle or Pancawara) produces the Kajeng Kliwon festival. On this day, Balinese people usually make special offerings because it is believed that the energy of the spirit world is at its peak.
The Purpose and Hidden Meaning Behind Triwara
Besides the practical functions above, Triwara also has a deep spiritual purpose and meaning. Balinese people always connect every aspect of life with the balance of the universe.
Philosophically, the three days in Triwara symbolize the concept of Tri Murti, or the three manifestations of God’s power, namely:
Creating (Brahma)
Sustaining (Wisnu)
Dissolving or returning to the source (Siwa)
The purpose of this calculation is to constantly remind humans that the cycle of life keeps turning through these three phases. There is a process of beginning, a process of living life, and a process of ending to return. Through Triwara, Balinese people are invited to always be self-aware and maintain harmony between humans, nature, and the Creator.
Conclusion
So, Triwara is not just a set of day names that happen to be three in number. More than that, this calculation is a clever way for the Balinese people, passed down from their ancestors, to preserve traditions, manage economic cycles such as market schedules, and maintain a strong spiritual connection with the universe.
Pretty interesting, right? The Balinese calendar is not just about dates and exact numbers, but also about how we can better appreciate the rhythm of everyday life.
