Tumpek Uduh marks a moment of reflection for humans on the importance of plants for livelihood, and in the requirement for harmony with nature as dictated in the Balinese philosophy of wellbeing, Tri Hita Karana.
It takes place exactly 25 days before the most important festival Galungan
The Balinese Hindu community celebrates Tumpek Uduh 🍃 The special ceremony to honour plants is known as Tumpek Uduh, an auspicious day celebrated every 210 days following the Balinese pawukon calendar. On this day, offerings are given to Dewa Sangkara, the God of Plants (more accurately, the manifestation of God as Dewa Sangkara). This ceremony is also known as Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek Pengatag - why so many names? Well, there are many small rituals that must take place: Pengarah, whereby it is announced to the plants that they are being blessed. What follows is the pengatag, where the plant is tapped, hit or even partially peeled (if a tree) and then hanging ornaments known as sasap are placed upon it. Next is bubuh, which comes from the term, bubur, or porridge, which is given to the plant as an offering of food (water and nourishment). As plants are considered sacred on this day, people are forbidden to climb trees.
