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Visa Bali Info – Bali Ogoh-ogoh Parade 2023
Every celebration of Nyepi Day cannot be separated from Ogoh-ogoh, Ogoh-ogoh is a sculptural work of art in Balinese culture that depicts the personality of Bhuta Kala.
In Hindu Dharma teachings, Bhuta Kala represents the immeasurable and undeniable power (Bhu) of the universe and time (Kala).
In the embodiment of the statue in question, Bhuta Kala is depicted as a large and frightening figure, usually in the form of a giant.
Ogoh-Ogoh 2023 this year is also part of the rituals of the Hindu community ahead of the Nyepi celebration.
Ogoh-ogoh
Ogoh-ogoh is often carried out and held before Nyepi for Balinese Hindus. These “ogoh-ogoh” will usually surround the village carrying torches.
Because the ogoh-ogoh is not a ceremonial instrument, it is paraded after the main ceremony is over, accompanied by Balinese gamelan rhythms, the Baleganjur Statue.
In the beginning, the ogoh-ogoh and all the paraphernalia of the ogoh-ogoh procession were the result of the creativity and spontaneity of the people to enliven the ceremony. Over time, ogoh-ogoh has become attached to various celebrations to liven up the atmosphere, including during Nyepi.
It is not surprising that village youths will compete to make their best ogoh-ogoh, so that they can see which ogoh-ogoh are the best and look the best.
A Depiction of the Shape of Ogoh-ogoh
Ogoh-ogoh are often depicted in the form of living creatures in Mayapada, heaven, and hell, such as dragons, elephants, eagles, widyadari, and gods.
Ogoh-ogoh are also usually made from styrofoam, bamboo, old newspapers, cloth, paint, iron wire, and wood.
However, Balinese people often make ogoh-ogoh bhuta kala, such as Kala Bang, Kala Ijo, Sang Bajra Daksa, which was cursed by Batara Guru, Kala Dengen, Kala Lampah, and Kala Ireng.
Meaning of “Ogoh-ogoh”
Ogoh-ogoh has a meaning that symbolizes human recognition of the power of the universe and time, with powers that can be divided in two.
First, the power of Bhuana Agung (the universe), and secondly, the power within humans).
Second, this power can be used to destroy or make the world better.
The Balinese people really believe that ogoh-ogoh represents bad qualities in humans. The bad nature of humans is symbolized by the negative energy of the Bhuta Kala.
Ogoh-ogoh with scary embodiments to be paralyzed, melted with water, or burned. saying that if you want to expel evil, use evil embodiments as well. This is called the concept of a mirror that gives a reflection of what you see.
Preparation for the Ogoh-ogoh Ritual
Before starting the ogoh-ogoh ritual, the ogoh-ogoh parade participants usually perform the ritual of drinking Balinese wine.
After that, the parade participants paraded the ogoh-ogoh to a place called sema (the place where Hindus live before being burned and during the cremation). After being paraded around the village, the ogoh-ogoh are then burned, or they can also be melted with water.
Ogoh-ogoh Parade Schedule 2023
The ogoh-ogoh parade is usually held from evening to night. The implementation of the ogoh-ogoh parade has a philosophy aimed at humans to protect nature and resources and not damage the surrounding environment.
The ogoh-ogoh parade in 2023 will be held again in the framework of the Nyepi celebration in Bali. This year’s Nyepi Day falls on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, which will also be followed by a group leave on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Have you recorded the ogoh-ogoh parade schedule for 2023? What you need to note again is that the ogoh-ogoh will always be held on the night of Pengrupukan or the day before Nyepi.
Save your departure date so you don’t miss this annual parade. Hopefully the explanation about ogoh-ogoh above can add to your insight too.
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