Tumpek Krulut: The Balinese Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is known all over the world as the celebration of love. It falls on the 14th of February. It’s a day where love and appreciation is shown to those who mean the world to us. But, did you know that Bali has its own Valentine’s Day?

Bali is an island full of magic and wonder. There are so many holidays and religious celebrations in Bali. Making it really no surprise Bali also has a day dedicated to love and compassion for all. Ready to find out more? Keep on reading!

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What is Tumpek Krulut? 

Tumpek Krulut comes from the word “lulut” that translates as love or compassion. It’s celebrated every six months on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon, Wuku Krulut. Because of its etymology, many refer to this day as a Balinese’s Valentine’s Day. During Tumpek Krulut, the Balinese people go all out spreading love around. The Hindu community celebrates Tumpek Krulut as a day of love and compassion among humans, akin to the celebration of Valentine’s Day, because the spiritual energy bestowed on Tumpek Krulut is believed to bring happiness and affection.

Although the linking to Valentine’s Day was done because of its etymology, the meaning actually goes a little deeper. According to the Aji Gurnitha scripts, it is mentioned that Tumpek Krulut is a day to cleanse and put offerings on gamelan. A gamelan is a traditional Balinese musical ensemble.

So, what does music have to do with celebrating love?

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Celebrating Tumpek Krulut 

The tradition on Tumpek Krulut is to cleanse a set of gamelan. Cleansing the gamelan is done by putting some holy water on the gamelan. The cleanse is done to get rid of all the bad things that stick to the gamelan. After the cleanse, the Balinese would then give offerings to the Gods.

It is understood by the Balinese that the galeman consists of many different instruments. When played together properly, these instruments can produce a beautiful harmony. Although they are each different, they have their own functions and can contribute to the creation of something beautiful.

That’s what the Balinese believe life should all be about. Everybody is different, but they each have their own functions. We exist to complete one another. Which in a sense, is to be like a gamelan. Thus, Tumpek Krulut is a reminder to always be kind and have compassion for one another.

The celebration of Tumpek Krulut aims to foster harmonious relationships among people and cultivate love and spiritual energy within ourselves. Additionally, this occasion serves to honor the gongs or gamelan instruments that accompany sacred ceremonies, producing beautiful melodies imbued with spiritual significance. This is because, during Tumpek Krulut, emphasis is placed on the sacredness of sound (music) or the resonance of gamelan (musical instruments).

Earlier this year, The Governor of Bali Wayan Koster, officially announced Tumpek Krulut as the Balinese Valentine’s Day. The announcement was made to make sure that the Balinese take care of the legacy given by their ancestors.

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The Philosophy of Tumpek Krulut

Tumpek Krulut offers a unique philosophy to live by for the Balinese. It acts as a reminder to keep your eyes on the bigger picture. That we are all connected, we all have a part, and we complete each other.

It is akin to another Balinese philosophy, which is Tat Tvam Asi. Tat Tvam Asi is a concept that guides the Balinese to live together harmoniously. To always help and love each other endlessly. Commonly, Tat Tvam Asi is translated as “thou art that.”

Keep a lookout when you are visiting Bali. Who knows you might have arrived exactly on the Balinese Valentine’s Day. This year it falls on Saturday, 23 Juli 2022. Be sure to spread the love around.

Looking for a Place to Stay? 

If you are looking for a place to stay in Bali, especially around the Sanur or Ubud area, then check out Ubud Villas Rental by Red Lotus Property. They have a wide selection of accommodation that will certainly suit your taste.

Remember, Ubud is one of the places in Bali that is filled with culture. Hence, you might have better luck in enjoying Tumpek Krulut in Ubud than in any other place. Ready to celebrate? Let’s go!