Tumpek Uduh, also known as Tumpek Wariga or Tumpek Pengatag, is a significant Balinese Hindu holy day dedicated to plants and the environment. On this day, Balinese Hindus give offerings, such as flowers, fruits, and traditional porridge, to plants and trees in their gardens, farms, and plantations. The ceremonies express thanks for good crops and ask for a prosperous harvest in the future.
While traditionally focused on ancestral heirlooms like keris (daggers) and spears, Tumpek Landep has expanded to include modern metal items such as cars, motorcycles, and computers. The ceremony, which involves offerings and prayers to Sang Hyang Pasupati (the deity governing metal objects), also serves as a metaphorical reminder to sharpen one's mind and wisdom.
Saraswati Day marks the celebration of Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati, commemorating the descent of knowledge. On this auspicious day, ceremonies are held to bless all sacred texts, lontar (palm-leaf manuscripts), and holy books. This is an act of reverence and gratitude to the Almighty for bestowing knowledge upon humanity.
Mekare-kare, also known as Mageret Pandan, is a distinctive Balinese ritual tradition unique to the village of Tenganan. Central to this practice is a ceremonial combat where young men engage in duels, wielding clubs fashioned from thorny pandan leaves and defending with rattan shields. This intricate ritual serves as an homage to Indra, the revered Hindu god of war.
Tumpek Kandang is a day set aside for the distinct honouring of domestic animals. Across Bali, as Balinese Hindus observe this significant day – a ceremony dedicated to Bhatara Rare Angon, revered as the master of all cattle and livestock – household creatures will receive special recognition. These rituals are traditionally conducted at every farm and within family compounds. The very name, Tumpek Kandang, finds its origins in two Balinese words: "Tumpek," signifying a peak or culmination, and "Kandang," which denotes an enclosure or cage.
Marking the culmination of the significant six Tumpek cycle, Tumpek Wayang holds a particularly sacred status amongst these observances. This day is especially dedicated to Wayang Kulit – the intricate shadow puppets of Bali – with the island's puppeteers using Tumpek Wayang as an occasion to honour Lord Iswara. Tradition dictates that should a child be born during Wayang week, the Balinese Wuku week in which Tumpek Wayang falls, a specific protective ritual, known as Nyapuh Leger, must be performed. This ceremony involves a special sacred puppet performance called Sapuh Leger, followed by the collection of holy water obtained by washing the puppet's base handle. It is also believed by some that the atmosphere during this week can be sensitive, leading them to exercise caution and refrain from undertaking long journeys.
The Balinese concept of lulut, meaning to symbolise both love and joy, gives rise to the festival of Krulut. Central to their worldview is the notion that art isn't simply restricted to paintings or graceful dances; rather, it resides in anything capable of evoking pleasure. Tumpek Krulut, also known as Odalan Gong, beautifully encapsulates this understanding through a collective appreciation for music.
Consequently, this special occasion sees instruments, notably the sonorous gamelan orchestra, being blessed and honoured for their vital role in prayer, acts of worship, and the general enrichment of life.
Galungan and Kuningan constitute a ten-day Balinese Hindu celebration occurring every 210 days as dictated by the Saka calendar. During this auspicious time, it is believed that the heavens open, allowing Ida Sang Hyang Widi and the pantheon of gods to visit the world of mortals. To honour these divine visitors, elaborate rituals are performed, feasts are prepared, and intricate offerings adorn homes and temples, signifying devotion and celebration of their arrival.
