DENPASAR (indo.com): Balinese Hindus will celebrate "Tumpek Wayang", the day devoted to Sang Hyang Iswara, Lord of Puppeteers. The event will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2002, and will comprise blessing ceremonies for puppet-play sets.

The puppets are taken from their boxes and placed in position just as if an actual performance were being given, and then blessed by the owner - locally know as a " Dalang". Many dalang have inherited puppets from ancestors.

In some areas of Bali this day is also used for making offerings to musical instruments and dance equipment. But priority is always given to the shadow play puppets, known as "wayang kulit".

This day is also considered inauspicious for babies to be born on. When such an event occurs, a special ceremony is performed to purify the child and protect him or her from harm.