Final answer:
The Balinese use two main calendar systems: the Pawukon, a 210-day cycle with weeks of varying lengths that governs cultural events, and the Saka, a lunar calendar adjusted every 30 months for solar alignment, which guides religious observances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Balinese employ two primary calendar systems, both reflecting the island's rich cultural and religious tapestry, which blends Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs. The first system is the Pawukon calendar, a complex cycle that is 210 days long, consisting of ten different week systems that run concurrently, ranging from one to ten days in length. The Pawukon does not align with the solar or lunar year, instead encompassing various aspects of Balinese life, including agriculture, religious celebrations, and community events.
The second calendar is the Saka calendar, which is a lunar-based system similar in structure to the Indian calendar. The Saka year is 12 lunar months, with an extra month added approximately every 30 months to align the calendar with the solar year. This calendar is used primarily for religious events and ceremonies, reinforcing the Hindu influence on Balinese culture. The interplay of these two calendar systems in Balinese life showcases the significance they place on time cycles and their interrelation with religious and societal practices.