Kajeng Kliwon Uwudan

Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan is a spiritually significant day in the Balinese calendar, combining Kajeng Keliwon, which occurs every 15 days and is known for heightened spiritual energy, with Uwudan, a day dedicated to honoring ancestors and cleansing impurities. On this day, Balinese people make special offerings and perform prayers to ward off negative forces, seek spiritual protection, and maintain balance between good and evil. It is a powerful time for reflection, purification, and reconnecting with ancestral spirits.

Description of the Ceremony

Purpose

The purpose of Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan is to seek spiritual protection, purification, and balance between positive and negative energies. It is a day to honor ancestors, cleanse the soul, and ward off unseen or disruptive forces. Through offerings and prayers, the Balinese express gratitude, ask for guidance, and reinforce harmony within themselves and their surroundings.

Rituals

The ceremony often involves various rituals, such as:

• Offerings: On Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan, offerings are made to purify the surroundings and protect against negative energies. Balinese people prepare segehan, small ground offerings placed at entrances and crossroads to appease lower spirits. Canang sari, decorated with flowers and incense, are offered with prayers for balance and harmony. Special purification offerings like banten sudamala may also be used to cleanse the space and the soul. These offerings are accompanied by holy water (tirta) and incense (dupa), creating a sacred atmosphere for spiritual protection and inner peace.
• Prayers and Chanting: During Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan, prayers and chanting are performed to cleanse the soul, protect from negative forces, and maintain spiritual balance. Devotees recite sacred mantras and traditional Balinese chants, often at home shrines or temples, to call upon divine protection and ancestral blessings. These prayers focus on removing impurities, calming the mind, and strengthening the connection between the seen and unseen worlds, helping individuals stay centered and spiritually safe.
• Ceremonial Cleansing: During Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan, ceremonial cleansing is an important ritual to remove negative energies and restore spiritual harmony. The cleansing involves the use of holy water (tirta), incense smoke, and offerings like banten sudamala to purify homes, temples, and personal auras. Families sprinkle tirta around their living spaces and perform symbolic gestures to release unwanted energies.

Community Participation

During Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan, community participation is marked by a shared focus on spiritual protection and purification. Families and neighbors come together to prepare offerings, cleanse shared spaces, and perform prayers. In some villages, collective ceremonies are held at temples or sacred crossroads, where people pray together to ward off negative forces. This communal involvement not only strengthens spiritual energy but also reinforces social unity, mutual care, and the continued practice of Balinese spiritual traditions.

Cultural Significance

Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan holds deep cultural significance in Balinese life as a day of spiritual balance, ancestral connection, and energetic protection. It reflects the Balinese philosophy of Rwa Bhineda—the coexistence of good and evil and the need to maintain harmony between seen and unseen worlds. By making offerings, performing prayers, and cleansing rituals, the community preserves its cultural heritage and spiritual awareness. This sacred day emphasizes the importance of inner purity, respect for ancestors, and living in balance with the universe.

Timing

Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan occurs every 210 days, when Kajeng Keliwon—a spiritually charged day in the Balinese Pawukon calendar—coincides with Uwudan, a time dedicated to ancestral reverence and purification.

Conclusion

Kajeng Keliwon Uwudan is a powerful and sacred day in Balinese tradition that emphasizes spiritual cleansing, protection, and harmony. Through offerings, prayers, and communal rituals, it helps maintain the delicate balance between positive and negative forces while honoring ancestral spirits. This observance strengthens both individual and community well-being, preserving Bali rich cultural and spiritual heritage.