Tumpek Wariga is a sacred day in the Balinese Hindu calendar, observed every 210 days on Saniscara Kliwon Wariga.
This special occasion is dedicated to paying tribute to nature, particularly plants and trees, as a way of expressing gratitude for their essential role in sustaining life.
According to the ancient Balinese manuscript Lontar Sundari Gama, Tumpek Wariga is a day to worship Sanghyang Sangkara, the divine force believed to nurture and protect all vegetation.
This ceremony serves as a reminder of the deep connection between humans and nature, reinforcing the principles of Tri Hita Karana—a Balinese philosophy that emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.
Rituals and Offerings
During Tumpek Wariga, Hindu communities in Bali perform ceremonies in their gardens or agricultural fields.
Offerings such as banten tipat taluh and tipat gatep are prepared, each symbolizing the balance of masculine (purusa) and feminine (pradana) energies, which together foster growth and abundance.
Additionally, a traditional rice porridge called bubur sumsum is offered, representing the wish for fertility and prosperity in plant life.
A unique aspect of the celebration is the recitation of sesontengan, a traditional chant that symbolizes a dialogue between elders and nature.
“Kaki..kaki..Dadong dija? Ia Jumah, Ia Ngudiang Jumah? Ia gelem kebus dingin ngetor, ngeed, ngeed, ngeed. Ngeed kaje, ngeed kelod, ngeed kangin, ngeed kauh, buin selae lemeng Galungane mangda mabuah ngeedd”
(Grandfather, grandfather, where is grandmother? She’s at home. What is she doing at home? She’s shivering with fever and chills. Heavy, heavy, heavy. Heavy in the north, heavy in the south, heavy in the east, and heavy in the west. In twenty-five days, the Galungan celebration will arrive—may the trees bear abundant fruit!)
One of the well-known verses calls upon trees to bear abundant fruit in time for the upcoming Galungan festival, which occurs 25 days after Tumpek Wariga.
As part of the ritual, devotees lightly tap tree trunks while chanting, encouraging the plants to thrive and flourish.
A Celebration of Environmental Awareness
Beyond its religious significance, Tumpek Wariga carries a strong environmental message. Often referred to as Tumpek Uduh, Tumpek Bubuh, or Tumpek Pengatag, this festival promotes ecological conservation and sustainable living.
It serves as Bali’s equivalent of an environmental awareness day, urging communities to respect and nurture their natural surroundings.
More than just a spiritual event, Tumpek Wariga reminds people of their responsibility to care for the environment.
By acknowledging the interdependence between humans and nature, this tradition continues to inspire efforts in preserving Bali’s lush landscapes for generations to come. (BT)
