The special ceremony to honor plants is known as Tumpek Uduh, or also called Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh, and Tumpek Pengatag. Celebrated every 210 days on Saniscara Kliwon Wariga, this auspicious day is dedicated to Dewa Sangkara, the God of plants. It is a time of reflection on the importance of plants for human life and harmony with nature, as taught in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana.

Falling exactly 25 days before Galungan, Tumpek Uduh holds deep significance. By blessing the plants during this period, Balinese Hindus pray for them to grow fertile and fruitful, ready to be offered during the major Galungan festival. The ceremony symbolizes gratitude, sustainability, and the close bond between humans and the natural world.

The rituals of Tumpek Uduh include pengarah, the announcement to plants that they are being blessed, and prayers where the chosen plant is called a grandparent, strengthening personal connection. This is followed by pengatag, when plants are tapped or decorated with sasap ornaments, and bubuh, an offering of porridge symbolizing nourishment. On this sacred day, people are even forbidden to climb trees, emphasizing respect for plants as part of God’s creation.