Monkey Forest Holds Tumpek Kandang Ritual

An Expression of Love to Animals

As an expression of love to animals like monkeys, the Monkey Forest Ubud celebrates Tumpek Kandang ritual on Saturday (Oct. 3). The celebration was conducted in the highest level and officiated over by Ida Pedanda Nabe Gede Manuaba. Type of the offerings presented is relatively large, namely the usual offerings coupled with bebangkit offerings. Since the ritual belongs to the highest level, it is then accompanied with wayang lemah or day puppet show and Sidakarya mask dance. Local people and travelers mingle to watch the ritual held every six months.

General Manager I Nyoman Buana said that the celebration is the implementation of the mission of the Monkey Forest Ubud namely preserving and maintaining the harmony of the region based on the concept of Tri Hita Karana. In this case, it is maintaining harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
Tumpek Kandang has the purpose to glorify all of God’s creation, especially animals. With the celebration of Tumpek Kandang and other important rituals, the community believes that they can grow and develop the sectors that can strengthen the economic foundation of society such as the livestock sector or those making use of other animals. “In the Tumpek Kandang ritual, the Hindus invoke to God in order their animals are blessed with health and safety,” he said.
At the Monkey Forest in Ubud it is conducted a worship of God for the safety and health of the monkeys and other animals because the monkeys in the forest especially play an important role in the social and economic life of the Padangtegal customary village. After the ritual procession is over, the monkeys are given special food which is not given on usual days such as eggs, grapes, carrots and other fruits. Travelers are also given the opportunity to feed the monkeys.www.bali-travelnews.com
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