Perang Tipat Bantal, or Rice Cake War 2024 in Bali

Perang Tipat Bantal, or Rice Cake War, is a traditional religious ritual held annually according to the Balinese calendar, specifically during Purnama Kapat (around October or November). This celebration occurs every full moon of the fourth month of the Balinese New Year. Villagers from Kapal gather in front of the temple to pray and then engage in a playful battle using rice cakes. This vibrant festival, symbolizing prosperity and blessings, is a unique and exciting event not to be missed, typically taking place in September or October.

The Ritual

The ritual at Kapal Temple begins with a joint prayer ceremony conducted by the villagers, where traditional leaders sprinkle holy water to ensure the safety of everyone, including those participating in the pillow fight. During the Tipat Bantal war, participants remove their clothes, bare their chests, and form two opposing groups. They face each other with tipat (ketupat) and pillows, typical Balinese snacks, placed between them. Once the signal is given, the participants start throwing the tipat and pillows at the opposing group, creating a lively and chaotic scene. When it is deemed enough, the battle pauses briefly before resuming on the highway in front of the Temple.

Meaning of Rice Cake War

Tipat, or rice cake, symbolizes femininity, while pillows represent masculinity. The Tipat Bantal war, therefore, symbolizes the meeting of these two elements—tipat and pillows—representing the union of men and women. This symbolic meeting is seen as the creation of life.