Last month, in March 2025, the word “Ogoh-Ogoh” became a trending topic in Bali. Almost every village in Bali mentions the word. The government in each Regency also holds an Ogoh-Ogoh competition every year, so the word has become a hot topic of discussion in Bali Island.
What is Ogoh-Ogoh?
Ogoh-Ogoh is a form of artistic creativity by Balinese artists, especially young people in making large statues that have scary, frightening, and haunted characteristics. This statue is made from recycled materials such as used paper, newspapers, and environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo, wood, and others. This large statue is decorated in such a way that it becomes an interesting and scary work of art. The shape and appearance of this large statue (Ogoh-Ogoh) are usually taken from figures in Hindu mythology.
Ogoh-Ogoh is usually made by young artists in every village in Bali to be performed and paraded or carried around the village on Pengerupuk Day, the day before Nyepi Day. The length of time to make Ogoh-Ogoh depends on the size complexity and details of the Ogoh-Ogoh ornaments. Usually, young artists are assisted by village youth to make Ogoh-Ogoh 2 months before Pengerupuk Day. The location of the making is usually at the Balai Banjar (public meeting hall) owned by each village.
The source of funds is usually from the village and several donors. To reduce the cost of making, usually, the youth and young artists work together to make Ogoh-Ogoh in the Balai Banjar while socializing, making the relationship between the youth in one village get to know each other better. Each village is enthusiastic about making the best Ogoh-Ogoh to be performed on Pengerupuk Day, as a series of Nyepi Day celebrations.
What is the Meaning of Ogoh-Ogoh?
Ogoh-Ogoh is made in a scary shape and carried around the village the day before Nyepi Day, which is called Pengerupuk Day. Before Ogoh-Ogoh is carried around the village accompanied by traditional Balinese music and followed by the community, Ogoh-Ogoh will be ceremonially and a ceremony called Tawur Kesangga will be held. The purpose and objective is to expel evil and negative spirits so that Nyepi Day can be carried out properly.
The Ogoh-Ogoh parade is held in the afternoon at sunset, but preparations have been made since noon. The youth have started to take out Ogoh-Ogoh from Balai Banjar (public meeting hall) and close some of the roads. Tourists who are on vacation in Bali are strongly advised to return to their hotels in the afternoon and see the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade near the hotel, like in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, etc. This is because some roads are starting to be closed. Shops, art shops, spas and massages, and restaurants usually close early. Tourists who hire self-drive cars are strongly advised to return to their hotels early to avoid traffic jams. For guests who hire a car with a driver, it can only be served until noon because all cars will return to the warehouse before the Ogoh-Ogoh parade.
At sunset, Ogoh-Ogoh begins to go around the village accompanied by traditional Balinese music and followed by the community. The atmosphere will be lively and full of joy. The Ogoh-Ogoh parade usually lasts until midnight. These activities are the most interesting things to enjoy. Some tourists deliberately come to Bali to see more closely the series of activities welcoming the Saka New Year starting from the Melasti, Pengerupuk, and Nyepi activities.
Nyepi Day is the Saka New Year’s Day. On Nyepi Day, the people of Bali carry out Catur Brata Nyepi, which are 4 prohibitions that must be carried out for a full day from 6 am to 6 am the next day, including:
- No walking
- No lighting fires
- No working
- No having fun
On Nyepi Day the atmosphere is very quiet and free from the hustle and bustle of daily activities and at night the atmosphere will be dark. The people only stay calm and read books at home. Offices, businesses, airports, seaports, and shops are all closed. Only the hospital is open with minimum lighting. Only local security officers called Pecalang control and become security. Come on vacation to Bali and rent a car at our place. This year 2025, the Nyepi was on 29 March.
