Bali witnessed a rare spiritual convergence in 2025 as the Nyepi Holy Day coincided with the Tumpek Uduh tradition. The sacred observance of silence, held from Saturday, March 29, to Sunday, March 30, aligned with a Hindu ritual dedicated to honoring nature. Ketut, a 57-year-old resident from Gianyar, highlighted the significance of this event, explaining that Tumpek Uduh is a deeply revered Balinese ceremony expressing gratitude toward Dewa Sangkara, the deity of natural fertility.
Tumpek Uduh is a fundamental part of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. This ceremony, occurring every 210 days on a Saturday Kliwon, saw devotees offering bubuh (rice flour porridge), canang sari (intricately woven palm leaf baskets filled with flowers, betel leaves, and fruit), and other symbolic gifts at the base of trees. As part of the ritual, worshippers gently tapped the tree trunks with a knife while chanting prayers, seeking blessings for abundant growth and prosperity.
Ketut explained that after the ceremony, many participants planted tree seedlings as an act of environmental respect, continuing a longstanding tradition of sustainability. He noted that in Bali, cutting down a tree is never done without a preceding ritual and the commitment to replanting.
The convergence of Nyepi and Tumpek Uduh in 2025 created a profound spiritual moment for the Balinese people. While Nyepi brought absolute silence and introspection, Tumpek Uduh reinforced the island’s deep-rooted respect for nature. The unique alignment of these traditions underscored the essence of balance, gratitude, and devotion in Balinese Hindu culture.
