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Tumpek
Kandang
Animals in Bali
Animals have a very
important position both spiritually and
materially in Bali, bringing about a special
day of “Tumpek Kandang” especially
for cattle breeders. They pray to “Sang
Hyang Rare Angon” to give thanks for
protecting and safeguarding their animals.
Some people call the special day “Tumpek
Andang”, others call it “Tumpek
Pengatag” and “Tumpek Uye”,
celebrated on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon
Wuku Uye, once every 6 months. This year,
the first celebration is on 8 February 2003.
 “Sesajen”
offerings are presented to “Sang Hyang
Rare Angon”, in the hope that their
cattle remain strong and healthy and reproduce
well. The kinds of “upakara” offerings
are in the forms of “peras”, “ajuman”,
“daksina”, “dapetan”,
“penyeneng”, “pesucian”,
and various “tipat” rice packages
in coconut leafs. Wealthy breeders of course
prepare larger “sesajen” with
their stables colourfully decorated with
the finest cloth possible.
On that day, the cattle food is more attractive
than usually. Breeders and lovers of animals
are engaged spend time with their animals,
and offer “sesajen” followed by
prayers. Balinese breeders apply modern
techniques in rearing cattle, while persisting
to recognise the tradition of celebrating
“Tumpek Kandang” holy day. (Sumadi)
Sacred
Animals
Many
road accidents in Bali bring about the death
of animals or pets, but the motorists who
run into the animals often don’t care
about the consequences. Instead, they keep
on driving without any attempt to slow down.
Accidents have sometimes then happened to
such people.
This is not at all intended to scare you
while you are enjoying your vacation in
Bali. Be careful and remain alert when driving
in Bali. It is not because the roads in
Bali are not good enough; rather animals
such as cats, geese, cows or monkeys often
happen to cross the roads. If you unintentionally
run into one of the animals, the death of
the animal might upset you and spoil your
trip.
If a Balinese happens to run into one of
these sacred animals, he will provide a
decent burial for the animal and offerings
coupled with prayers. He will also prepare
banten pengulapan (offerings to drive away
bad luck from the car) to avoid future accidents.
A car so purified is usually offered at
a bargain price. However, if the prospective
buyer finds out this fact, he will call
off the transaction. If he believes the
car is prone to misfortunes.
A Balinese believes that these sanctified
animals are the pets of the gods and helpful
to human beings. For instance, cats help
men get rid of the rats destroying the rice
fields. Geese are the animals of transport
of the goddess Saraswati, a manifestation
of God as the creator and ruler of knowledge.
Cows are the riding animal of the god Siwa
and a necessity in religious ceremonies.
Cows also help men plough the rice fields
so it is privileged with special attention
and care by farmers. Monkeys are believed
to be an animal of wit and resources, said
once to be soldiers fighting for the legendary
Rama against Rahwana, the demon. Hanoman,
Sugriwa, Subali, Anila, Anggada and Jembawan
are all monkey heroes of supernatural power
in the Ramayana epic.
Apart from these animals, the Balinese also
revere other animals. These animals form
part of the necessity in religious ceremonies.
Weird-but-real incidents often happen in
Bali. To maintain safety and comfort, it
is worthwhile to remain alert and respect
this seemingly illogical belief. If you
wish to get more information about the animals
for holy sacrifice, you can consult literature
on the religious ceremonies in Bali, such
as Sundarigama, Widisastra, Leburgangsa
and others. As to Balinese fables, Tantri
Kamandaka, Itihasa, Purana and Upanisad
might be useful sources for you, besides
Balinese folktales told widely by the community.
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