In the days leading up to Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, the island comes alive with the electrifying spectacle of the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. Towering effigies of monstrous creatures, vividly painted and meticulously crafted, dominate the streets as they are carried on bamboo platforms and swayed from side to side. This tradition, which has become synonymous…
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,…
Nyepi Day is the Saka New Year celebration for Hindus in Bali, rich in spiritual significance and deep philosophy. Literally, “Nyepi” means “silent” or “quiet,” reflecting the essence of this celebration. On this day, all activities in Bali come to a complete halt for 24 hours, creating an atmosphere of stillness that allows Hindus to…
Ogoh-ogoh are traditional Balinese sculptures that generally depict Bhuta Kala, a symbol of negative forces or evil spirits in Hindu Dharma. These statues are typically paraded during the Pengrupukan ceremony, held a day before Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence), as part of the Tawur Kesanga ritual aimed at neutralizing negative energies in the surrounding…
