Day to honor domestic animals

DENPASAR (indo.com): Balinese Hindus hold the important ceremony of "Tumpek Kandang", a day to honor household animals, on February 8, 2003. Rituals are held at every farm and family compound in respect of Sang Hyang Rare-Angon, master of all cattle and livestock. The animals, which provide vital sustenance to humans, are blessed and comforted.

Tumpek Kandang falls on the Saturday of Uye, the 22nd week of the pawukon cycle. The name is derived from two words: "Tumpek" means Saturday, and "Kandang" means household animal. So it roughly translates as "animal Saturday".

Cows in Bali get special treatment, as they are so essential in assisting farmers when plowing rice fields. The cows are washed and dressed up in human clothes, and special cone-shaped spirals of coconut leaves are placed on their horns.

Pigs are usually simply decorated by wrapping a white cloth about their bellies. All beasts are then given a sumptuous feast, prayers are offered and rice and holy water is sprinkled over them as a blessing.