Celebrating Tumpek Kandang at Bali Exotic Marine Park in the Spirit of Balinese Culture
Expressing Gratitude and Respect for Animals as Part of God’s Creation
Bali Exotic Marine Park held a Tumpek Kandang ceremony on 7 February 2026 with great respect. This celebration is a form of respect for animals as an implementation of Balinese cultural values and animal management in this conservation park.
The ceremony involved all staff members, management, and the animal care team. The ceremony was held in the main area of the park, creating a sacred atmosphere that is synonymous with spiritual meaning.
Understanding the Meaning of the Tumpek Kandang Ceremony
In Hindu tradition, the Tumpek Kandang ceremony is a holy day in the Balinese Pawukon calendar that is celebrated every six months, specifically on Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Uye. On this day, animals are honoured as part of God’s creation, which plays an important role in life.
In Hindu teachings in Bali, humans are also taught to maintain balance with nature and all living things. Through the Tumpek Kandang celebration, Hindus offer prayers for the health, safety, and prosperity of animals. This tradition is a symbol of gratitude and a reminder of humanity’s responsibility for the welfare of animals.
The Purpose of the Tumpek Kandang Ceremony
Philosophically, Tumpek Kandang is associated with the concept of Tri Hita Karana. This concept refers to harmony between humans and God, fellow humans, and the environment. The purpose of this ceremony is to strengthen awareness of the importance of treating animals with love and respect.
During the ceremony, the Balinese people usually offer offerings, sprinkle holy water or “tirta”, and decorate livestock, conservation animals, or pets as a form of respect.
Tumpek Kandang Celebration at Bali Exotic Marine Park
During the Tumpek Kandang celebration on 7 February 2026, Bali Exotic Marine Park held a joint prayer led by a priest. In this procession, all staff offered banten pejati and other offerings as an expression of gratitude to God for the gift of life, especially the animals cared for in the park.
The offerings were presented as a symbol of sincere prayers for the animals at Bali Exotic Marine Park to always be blessed with good health. The tradition of presenting banten pejati offerings is a form of pure intention to ask for protection for the living creatures that are part of the park’s ecosystem. Not only that, but the staff also went around sprinkling holy water on the animals, in sacred places, and in every corner of the park.
As a park known as a conservation area in Bali, BEMP cares for various types of animals, including dolphins and various species of birds. During the annual Tumpek Kandang celebration, special prayers are always offered for the health and safety of the animals.
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Dolphins, one of the main attractions, receive special attention in terms of welfare. Similarly, the birds are cared for in an area designed to resemble their natural habitat.
The management of Bali Exotic Marine Park stated that this celebration is not just a routine agenda, but part of a long-term commitment to animal welfare.
BEMP’s Commitment to Animal Welfare
Bali Exotic Marine Park implements highly structured and professional care standards. Health checks are carried out regularly with diets tailored to the needs of each species and environmental quality continuously monitored.
For dolphins, for example, water quality is a top priority. Water cleanliness and balance parameters are checked regularly. Interaction schedules are also carefully arranged so as not to cause stress to the animals.
Meanwhile, the birds in the park are cared for in an area that provides sufficient space for movement with environmental stimulation that we adjust. This aims to keep the animals’ physical and mental conditions stable.
Through the Tumpek Kandang celebration, these operational standards can be strengthened, but it is also part of cultural respect for life.
Melungsuran Tradition and Eating Together After the Ceremony
After the entire series of prayers has been completed, the activity continues with the melungsuran procession. This is the act of lowering or redistributing the ceremonial offerings or sesajen that were previously presented.
In Balinese Hindu tradition, melungsuran is not the end of the ritual, but a symbol that the blessings and prayers that have been offered are now being shared back with the congregation.
When the ceremony is over, the staff who participated in the ceremony from the beginning now perform the melungsuran procession, where ceremonial items such as fruits and snacks are enjoyed together as a symbol of God’s blessings.
The tradition of Melungsuran, followed by a communal meal, is always present in various Balinese Hindu ceremonies as a way of strengthening relationships and a sense of family.
Maintaining Harmony: Between Balinese Culture and Modern Conservation
The Tumpek Kandang celebration, held in February 2026, is a commitment to animal welfare, demonstrating how Balinese culture is in line with current conservation practices.
Bali Exotic Marine Park continues to use local wisdom as the foundation of its work ethic, where the Tri Hita Karana philosophy serves as a reminder that harmonious relationships must be maintained in a balanced manner.
It is hoped that through this ceremony, all animals under care can continue to grow healthy and protected, thereby maintaining ecosystem balance. The Tumpek Kandang celebration is not merely a ceremonial event but a reminder that respect for life is a shared responsibility.