Tumpek Kandang at Uluwatu Temple A Unique Ritual of Offering to Sacred Monkeys
Today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in the Balinese calendar known as Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Uye, the community at Uluwatu Temple held a special ceremony to celebrate Tumpek Kandang.
This sacred day occurs once every 210 days and is dedicated to honoring animals—especially those who support and coexist with humans in daily life. In Uluwatu, this celebration takes on a unique form as the temple is home to sacred monkeys, believed to be guardians of the holy site.
On this occasion, the community offers prayers and blessings, followed by presenting fruits and food offerings to the monkeys—a meaningful act of gratitude and harmony between humans and nature.
The ceremony blends tradition, spirituality, and environmental respect, making Tumpek Kandang at Uluwatu one of the most authentic and heartfelt cultural experiences in Bali.
A Ceremony Rooted in Harmony
The event began with a sense of reverence and cultural pride. Hundreds of dancers opened the celebration with a mass Pendet dance, followed by a sacred Puspawresti dance, performed as an offering to the divine and nature. These traditional performances served as a symbolic welcome, not only to the spirits but also to all attendees—locals and international visitors alike.
After the dances, a brief explanation about Tumpek Kandang was delivered, highlighting its purpose as a day to honor animals, particularly those that coexist with and support human life—such as livestock, pets, and in Uluwatu’s case, the temple’s iconic monkeys.
Prayers and Offerings for All Creatures
The community then came together for mass prayers (sembahyang bersama), facing the ocean from the cliffs of Uluwatu, in a deeply spiritual moment. Families, priests, dancers, and guests gathered under the afternoon sun, offering heartfelt gratitude for the balance between humans, animals, and the universe.
Elaborate offerings made of fruits and flowers were laid out beautifully and blessed in a ceremonial procession. What makes the ritual in Uluwatu truly unique is what comes next—sharing the offerings with the monkeys who live in the temple grounds.
Feeding the Sacred Monkeys: A Symbolic Act of Gratitude
Once the prayers were completed, the blessed fruits were distributed to the monkeys. This act of feeding the sacred monkeys is not just about tradition—it’s a symbolic gesture of respect, coexistence, and care.
The monkeys, believed to be spiritual protectors of Uluwatu Temple, are deeply integrated into the life of the temple. Their presence reminds us that all creatures, big or small, have a role in the balance of the world.
Visitors were delighted by the scene—watching the monkeys enjoy the offerings in peace, while the sun began to set behind the cliffs.
A Joyful Ending, Smiles All Around
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere shifted from sacred to joyful. Children, dancers, and guests took photos, shared laughter, and celebrated the beauty of Bali’s living traditions. The faces of those who participated glowed with happiness and pride—a reminder that rituals like Tumpek Kandang are more than just ceremonies; they’re moments of connection between culture, nature, and humanity.
