Every 210 days backyards around Bali come alive with the blessings of the animals, known as Tumpek Kandang. This is the red letter day birds, monkeys, pigs, cattle and other animals look forward to -- a day to dress up and party.
Few animals know how to party better than monkeys. They perch on the sidelines at Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest as the official business of blessings and offerings takes place, squealing in anticipation of the feast about to begin. A handful of delinquent monkeys can't control themselves and dive into the offerings, stealing eggs, papaya leaves and anything else that's remotely edible.
The piggies, on the other hand, are the picture of restrained elegance. Piglets are bathed and brushed, while porky parents accept with grace the holy water and prayers. The feast can wait.
Song birds that fit in the palm, such as the perkutut, go spa side with a flower bath given in tender thanks for their dawn warble.
As for the humans, Tumpek Kandang is a time for dads to teach their daughters another ancient Balinese Hindu ritual.
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