Pengerupukan is a crucial ritual celebrated by the Balinese Hindu community as part of the preparations for Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence.
Held on the eve of Nyepi, this tradition aims to purify the environment, both physically and spiritually, by expelling negative energies and cleansing the surroundings.
The ritual is marked by vibrant ceremonies, the creation and procession of giant effigies called ogoh-ogoh, and communal participation.
The term Pengerupukan is derived from the word ngerupuk, which means “to destroy” or “to eliminate.” In this context, it symbolizes the eradication of Bhuta Kala, malevolent spirits or negative forces that are believed to disrupt human life.
By driving these forces away, the ritual seeks to restore harmony and balance to the environment.
Several important ceremonies take place during Pengerupukan, each with profound symbolic significance:
- Mecaru Ceremony
This ritual is conducted at different levels—from individual households to entire villages. Mecaru aims to balance positive and negative energies in the environment by offering symbolic sacrifices to appease Bhuta Kala and other unseen entities.
- Ogoh-Ogoh Procession
One of the most iconic aspects of Pengerupukan is the creation and parade of ogoh-ogoh—large, elaborate effigies representing Bhuta Kala.
These menacing figures are crafted by local youths from bamboo, paper, and paint. Each ogoh-ogoh is designed to embody negative forces, and the procession serves as a symbolic effort to drive these forces out of the community.
- Burning of Ogoh-Ogoh
After being paraded around the village, the ogoh-ogoh are ritually burned. This act represents the destruction of negative influences and the purification of the environment. It signifies a fresh start as the community prepares to enter the sacred silence of Nyepi.
The ogoh-ogoh parade is the highlight of Pengerupukan. People from all walks of life, especially young Balinese, eagerly participate in creating these towering effigies, often competing to build the most impressive or terrifying designs.
The parade not only serves a spiritual purpose but also showcases Balinese artistry, creativity, and teamwork.
More than just a lively tradition, Pengerupukan holds deep philosophical meanings. It teaches important values that resonate with the Balinese way of life:
- Balance: The ritual emphasizes the need to maintain equilibrium between positive and negative forces in life.
- Purification: By driving away Bhuta Kala, Pengerupukan aims to cleanse both the physical and spiritual realms.
- Community Spirit: The process of creating ogoh-ogoh and performing the rituals fosters unity and cooperation among community members.
In addition to the ogoh-ogoh procession, Pengerupukan involves other cleansing rituals. People scatter nasi tawur (sacrificial rice), light torches, and sprinkle gunpowder around their homes and yards.
They also make loud noises by striking objects such as kentongan (wooden slit drums) to scare away malevolent spirits.
At the village level, residents carry torches and walk around the entire area three times while making noise to ensure that all negative energies are expelled. This communal act reinforces the idea of collective purification and protection.
Since the 1980s, the tradition of parading ogoh-ogoh has become increasingly elaborate, with some communities organizing competitions to showcase the most artistic or innovative creations.
These ogoh-ogoh are typically funded by community contributions and reflect both ancient mythological themes and contemporary social issues.
After the parade, the ogoh-ogoh are burned to symbolize nyomia, or the neutralization of Bhuta Kala. This act marks the final step in the purification process, paving the way for the solemn and introspective observance of Nyepi. (BT)
