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 environment.
The ogoh-ogoh procession involves groups of people carrying the statues while accompanied by traditional music. The statues are often spun at intersections to confuse evil spirits. After the parade, ogoh-ogoh are usually burned as a symbolic act of destroying negative traits within oneself.
The ogoh-ogoh tradition is relatively new, having gained popularity in the 1980s. Today, it has become an integral part of Nyepi celebrations in Bali and other regions with significant Hindu communities.
Beyond being an artistic and cultural expression, ogoh-ogoh symbolize the community’s effort to maintain environmental and spiritual balance by cleansing oneself of negative qualities.
Renon Traditional Village in Denpasar, Bali, has a unique tradition of neither creating nor parading ogoh-ogoh during Nyepi. This decision is based on past experiences that are believed to be linked to mystical occurrences.
In 1985, when ogoh-ogoh were first introduced in Bali, the people of Renon participated in making and parading them. However, during the procession, reports emerged that some ogoh-ogoh moved on their own, and several villagers experienced trance-like states. This incident caused concern among the community.
A similar attempt was made around 1995, but the results were the same—ogoh-ogoh were again reported to move by themselves, and cases of possession occurred. Since then, local leaders and villagers of Renon have agreed to cease the creation and procession of ogoh-ogoh for the sake of collective safety.
Although there is no official village regulation prohibiting ogoh-ogoh, this agreement has been respected and upheld by the community. Renon villagers believe that making ogoh-ogoh may lead to undesirable events, which is why the tradition is not practiced in their area.
Thus, while ogoh-ogoh have become an essential part of Nyepi celebrations in many parts of Bali, Renon Traditional Village has chosen not to observe this practice based on their experiences and local beliefs. (BT)
