22/02/2025
umpek Landep is the day dedicated to metal objects, especially the keris, the sacred dagger. It comes two weeks after Saraswati, the day dedicated to Knowledge. One of the first signs of human knowledge is indeed, just after the creation of the calendar, the discovery of fire and the invention of metal technology. Hence of weapons.
This is what is celebrated on Tumpek Landep, landep meaning sharp in Balinese. The weapons are not simply objects though. They evoke ancestors and thus carry the family’s mystical, trans-generational power. In times of crisis, they might be taken out and “purified” and “empowered” (dipasupati), hence becoming ready for use. Thus, on Tumpek Landep, keris and other metal objects (even cars!) will be blessed and laid with offerings. credit :
