The True Balinese Valentine's Day

The True Balinese Valentine's Day

Tumpek Krulut and the Pawukon Calendar

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14th, you might wonder how the island of Bali, known for its rich traditions and deep spirituality, marks a day dedicated to love. While Bali is often seen as a romantic getaway—full of picturesque sunsets, serene beaches, and intimate resorts —the celebration of love here is deeply rooted in Balinese culture, and it differs from the typical "Western" Valentine’s Day.

In Bali, love and affection are celebrated in many forms, and the true Balinese "Valentine's Day" is not February 14th, but a much more spiritual and significant day: Tumpek Krulut.

What is Tumpek Krulut?

Tumpek Krulut is a sacred day in the Balinese Hindu calendar, part of the Pawukon cycle, which follows a 210-day year. Tumpek Krulut falls on the Saturday of the 11th week of this cycle, and it is a time for honoring the relationship between humans and nature. This special day is dedicated to celebrating love—not just between people, but between people and the world around them, especially the plants, animals, and environment that sustain life.

How is Tumpek Krulut Celebrated?

On Tumpek Krulut, the Balinese celebrate with offerings (canang) made from flowers, rice, and other natural ingredients. These offerings are placed at sacred sites and altars, as well as within the home and near agricultural areas to show gratitude for the abundance provided by the earth. It’s a day of giving thanks, where love and respect for nature are expressed through prayers and rituals.

For Balinese families, Tumpek Krulut may also include a celebration of personal relationships. People will visit loved ones, exchange gifts, and spend quality time together, creating a meaningful bond that strengthens their ties not only with each other but with the earth. Some even believe that Tumpek Krulut marks the ideal day for new beginnings, such as weddings or the blossoming of new relationships.

The 210-Day Cycle: A Unique Calendar for Love

The Balinese follow a Pawukon calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world. The Pawukon calendar operates on a 210-day cycle, and Tumpek Krulut is situated within this unique framework. This calendar is integral to Bali’s spiritual and cultural practices, influencing everything from festivals to rituals, and it’s a key element in understanding the timing and significance of Tumpek Krulut as a day for celebrating love.

While Tumpek Krulut may not align with February 14th, it emphasizes a more holistic, nature- centered view of love. It’s about harmony with the earth and nurturing all forms of life.

Western Valentine's Day in Bali: A Modern Influence

The February 14th Valentine’s Day that is widely celebrated in Western countries has made its way to Bali, particularly in the island’s tourist-heavy areas. This holiday, filled with roses, chocolates, and declarations of romantic love, has been embraced by hotels, restaurants, and cafes catering to couples and tourists seeking a romantic escape.

Despite its global reach, Valentine’s Day in Bali doesn't hold the same cultural significance as it does in the West. For the Balinese, the true essence of love is celebrated in a more enduring and interconnected way through ceremonies like Tumpek Krulut, where love is shared not only between individuals but with the land and the spirit world as well.

Celebrating Love in Bali: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

While the Western-style Valentine's Day may be a popular occasion for couples to celebrate love in Bali, the island’s deep cultural roots offer a more holistic and profound way of marking the day. Whether you are here for the tourist-driven festivities on February 14th, or you wish to embrace the beauty and spirituality of Tumpek Krulut, there’s a shared understanding in Bali that love is something to be cherished and nurtured—whether it’s love for one another or love for the earth.

At Bali Life Body Care, we believe that the spirit of Tumpek Krulut resonates with the heart of our products. Just as the Balinese express gratitude and affection for nature through their rituals, we craft our all-natural, 100% Bali-made body care items with the same reverence for the island’s beauty and bounty. From our local ingredients to our dedication to sustainability, we honor the land and the love it provides—just as the Balinese have for centuries.

As we celebrate love in all its forms, we invite you to join us in embracing both the traditional and modern ways of expressing affection. Whether it’s through a thoughtful gift, a ritual offering, or simply spending time with those who matter most, may your celebration of love be filled with meaning, connection, and gratitude.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.