Hindus in Indonesia will celebrate Nyepi on March 22, 2023. One of the processions ahead of Nyepi is the ogoh-ogoh parade which is held on the eve of Pengupukan or the day before Nyepi. So, what is the history of the ogoh-ogoh in Bali? What does the ogoh-ogoh parade mean before Nyepi?

Ogoh-ogoh is a work of art in the form of a large statue made of bamboo and other materials. Ogoh-ogoh are visualized as having big bodies, long nails, and scary faces. The ogoh-ogoh are generally in the form of blind figures or giants who are paraded around the village on the night of dredging which also coincides with tilem kesanga. The ogoh-ogoh parade aims to absorb the negative energies around it.

Before the ogoh-ogoh parade, the dredging series begins with the Tawur Agung Kesanga procession. The implementation of Tawur Agung Kesanga is usually held during the day or at midnight. Meanwhile, the ogoh-ogoh procession is held in the afternoon (sandikala) until the evening.

After being paraded around the village, the ogoh-ogoh are then burned or in pralina. The burning of the ogoh-ogoh is often interpreted as an attempt to eradicate evil symbolized by blindness on earth. The next day, Balinese people celebrate Caka New Year or Nyepi Day in silence and carry out Catur Brata Penyepian.

The ogoh-ogoh parade is the most anticipated moment ahead of Nyepi. The ogoh-ogoh parade is also an arena for developing the creativity of the residents, especially young people who are members of the youth group in Bali.

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