Bali Culture – Tumpek Uduh
Tumpek Uduh
Today is Tumpek Uduh in Bali. It is a holy day dedicated to the blessings of plants and trees, especially those that produce fruits and flowers.
The coconut palm is of particular importance to the livelihood of the Balinese and in the South of Bali these trees are adorned with Balinese clothes, the headband tlie udeng, a kilt-like kamben, and a special scarf, saput, as a belt. Then the tree is hit ceremonially with a hammer to notify it that offerings are nearby and to ask it to produce abundant fruit.
For the Balinese, protecting the environment is a holy duty. People and the environment cannot be separated and always depend on each other.
On Tumpek Uduh households bless their gardens, farms and plantations for successful harvests in the lead up to the Galungan celebrations twenty five days later, which largely require the items for various temple offerings.
A ceremony is held in honour of the God (Hyang Widhi Wasa) asking that a prosperous life and salvation are granted. It is also to express gratitude for all good crops.
Every family celebrating the day prepares offerings such as banten – young coconut leaves shaped in certain form and decoration combined with fruits and flowers; traditional porridge called as bubur sumsum which is made from sticky rice flour sprinkled with grated coconut and brown sugar. These offerings are placed on an Asagan, an altar for offerings, made from bamboo. Kneeling in front of the Asagan, in the left hand they hold incense that emits fragrant smoke and the right hand they hold a flower.
Tumpek Udah is also known as Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek Pengatag
To find out more about the amazing culture of Bali, take a look at our Diving Indo Bali land tours www.diving-indo.com/bali-land-tours, there is something to suit everyone!