The Goddess (God manifestation) of all knowledge and art for Balinese Hindus is Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati. Saraswati is a day devoted specially to this God manifestation.For the Balinese, this day is for making offerings to books, especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books. This celebration is mostly conducted in academic institutions and family compounds throughout Bali. The Saraswati day comes twice a year, every 210 days and is based on the Pawukon calendar (the Balinese calendar).

Like other religious day in Bali, Saraswati also has ritual steps before and after the actual day. The day before the Saraswati is called Pengeradanaan, a day to prepare for Saraswati both spiritually and physically . Books are cleaned and placed properly.

On Saraswati day itself the Balinese make offerings to their books. Students celebrate at school, usually in the morning. The Saraswati day is not a work holiday and all island offices remain open.

The day after Saraswati is called Banyu Pinaruh, Banyu means water and Pinaruh means wisdom. Taken together, the words mean that man must have wisdom which always flows like water and is useful for human kind. On Banyu Pinaruh day, early in the morning people will go the beaches, rivers and springs to purify themselves and pray for wisdom.