DENPASAR (indo.com): Balinese Hindu people will celebrate "Tumpek Wayang", the day devoted to Sang Hyang Iswara, Lord of puppeteers, on January 19, 2002. The blessing ceremony is offered to puppet-play sets.

All puppets in an owner's collection are taken from their box and placed in position - just as if an actual performance were being given - and blessed by the owner, know as a "dalang".

While some areas of Bali also use this day to make offerings to musical instruments and dance requipment, it is the shadow play puppets, known as "wayang kulit", who receive special attention. Almost all dalangs have a set of wayang kulit puppets, many of which have been passed down through the generations.

According to deeply-rooted Hindu beliefs, it is very unlucky for a child to be born on this day. When this occurs, special ceremonies are performed to purify the child and protect him or her from harm.