Tumpek Landep, occurring every 210 days, holds a significant
place in Balinese culture.
On this day, Balinese people bless the metal objects they use daily in their lives and work. However, the metaphorical significance of Tumpek Landep extends far beyond mere reverence for metal.
The name itself, derived from High Balinese
language, combines tumpek, meaning 'close to,' and landep,
meaning 'sharp'. Tumpek Landep initially was associated with the keris - an iron dagger
steeped in spiritual and cultural significance.
However, in the early days of Balinese Hinduism, the keris symbolized
more than its metal composition. It embodied spiritual potency and served as a
reminder for individuals to sharpen their mental acuity, steering clear of
negative impulses driven by ego and fear. Tumpek Landep, therefore, underscores
the importance of honing one's thoughts toward purity and resilience against
darkness and ignorance.
Today, Tumpek Landep remains a ceremonial occasion, where
offerings are made not only for metal objects but also for vehicles and modern
technology containing metal components.
Balinese communities gather at temples
for prayers and blessings, extending ceremonies to their homes, where family
keris and other possessions are revered.
Visitors to Bali may find it unusual to see decorated cars, motorbikes, computers, refrigerators, machinery, tools, and exercise equipment in gyms during Tumpek Landep.
The belief persists that these rituals bring luck and
safeguard against misfortune, particularly in traffic accidents, although
sadly, hospitals in Bali often witness an increase in motorbike-related
injuries on this day.
The next Tumpek Landep day will take place on 27th
of July 2024.
Sources:
You can add one right now!