Ogoh Ogoh: The Balinese Gigantic Statue

Ogoh-Ogoh is one of the Balinese cultures that everyone should see while in Bali. You may have heard about this moving gigantic monstrous statue if you ever come to Bali. It is closely related to Nyepi day in Bali. Nyepi day is the Balinese New Year (Saka New Year) celebrated all in silence for 24 hours.

You can see this doll in Bali almost every year. You can see its parade in another region in Indonesia. But the ambiance that you get will be different from the parade in Bali. Try it, and you will know how it feels.

Source: CNNIndonesia

What is Ogoh ogoh?

The Ogoh-Ogoh term derived from the word “ogah-ogah,” which means to shake. It is a gigantic statue representing demons or well-known as Bhuta Kala, that should be away from human life. In general, the shape of it is imitating the form of Mythological creatures, devils, also Gods and criticized famous public figures.

The primary materials of Ogoh-Ogoh are bamboo, papers, and styrofoam. It takes months to make it. Usually, youth in the Banjar community will gather to create this Balinese gigantic statue several months before Nyepi day. It involves many people to build it.

Every year, there will be a different theme for the Ogoh-Ogoh. The Banjar youth will determine what kind of creature to be made that matches the theme. Then, they write a narrative story about the gigantic statue. After that, they will start to make it.

Photo source: CNN Indonesia

The purpose of Creating It

The purpose of parade is to symbolize Bhuta Kala, created in anticipation of Nyepi Day. This process represents human acknowledgment of the universe’s forces and the passage of time.

These forces encompass the power of Bhuana Agung (the cosmos) and Bhuana Alit (the human self). From a philosophical (Tattwa) perspective, these powers can lead all living beings and the world towards either happiness or destruction.

Creating this doll is to purify the natural environment from the evil spirits and the destructive impact of human activities. It is considered as a symbol of the modes of nature that form the evil living beings’ characters. It also represents the Bhuta Kala. Bhuta means infinite energy, and Kala means eternal time.

Photo source: CNN Indonesia

The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade

This enormous statue is paraded in the evening before the Nyepi day named Pengerupukan day. On this day, Balinese people will surround their houses while ringing their household utensils. 

The parade is starting by gathering the festival at the village square. All the people from each Banjar gather at the village square too. Not only youth but also kids and older people. They walk together from the Banjar to the village square while carrying the Ogoh-Ogoh on their shoulders. Some of them bring torches and Kentongan (a drum made of bamboo or wood struck to sound an alarm).

Then, one by one, this giant statue from each Banjar is performed. The performance starts by reading the narrative story. This festival is also completed with Balinese dance, light the torch, and sound the Kentongan.

Once the village square’s performance is done, all the people will walk around the village while parading the Bali doll all along the road. During the parade, it is rotated counterclockwise three times at every T-junction and crossroad of the village. It is intended to maze the evil spirits to cast them out so that they can’t harm human life. All people are happy and excited.

After the parade, the doll is burnt ceremonially in the village cemetery and changed into ashes. This procession symbolizes purification. Somehow, the villagers won’t burn it, but keep it in the village’s tourism destinations. So visitors can see the huge Balinese statue after Nyepi day.

Where you can see these Festivals?

Denpasar

Bali’s capital, Denpasar, is a prime spot for the Parade in Bali. The city closes its main streets to cars, and the parade path is full of food stalls and souvenir shops. The Catur Muka Statue area, near Puputan Badung Park, the Bali Museum, and the main markets, offers a fantastic view. It’s the heart of the parade, buzzing with energy, and truly a local event, not just for tourists. Thousands gather here to enjoy the spectacle.

Ubud

Known as Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud is filled with art galleries and museums. Its parade is a sight to behold, with many statues paraded through the streets. The Peliatan Royal Palace area is the best spot to catch the parade, drawing large crowds every year.

Kuta

Famous for its lively atmosphere, Kuta’s parade is vibrant and fun, thanks to its beachside setting and the energetic crowds. To get a good spot, head to Kuta beach before 6pm.

Sanur

Sanur may be quieter, but its the Balinese doll Parade is still a highlight. The parade moves through the town’s narrow streets, offering an up-close and personal experience.

Jimbaran

Well-known for its seafood, Jimbaran also hosts a memorable parade during Nyepi Day. The parade goes down the main road by the beach, perfect for enjoying the parade with a beautiful sunset backdrop.

Enjoy The Ogoh Ogoh Festival

So, have you ever seen the Ogoh-Ogoh parade in Bali? How do you feel? Do you love it that much? Perhaps you haven’t seen it yet in Bali? Are you excited to see it directly in Bali? If you are around Ubud, you can stay in Ubud Villas Rental by Red Lotus Property and ask them to accompany you to see the Ogoh-ogoh parade. Once you want to see the parade and want to experience Nyepi day in Bali, Ubud Villas Rental is ready to assist you. Contact us right now to get your retreat Villa Ubud!