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Ogoh-ogoh

I love to watch Balinese Hindu celebrations and ceremonies. These are famous within Indonesia. One of these is the Ogoh – ogoh Parade. Today I watched the Ogoh – ogoh parade in Mataram, Lombok. Many Balinese live in the Mataram area. The Ogoh – ogoh are huge monsters. They are made from bamboo and other materials. The Balinese of Bali and Lombok, specially the youth, are busy for several months making the huge effigies. It is a lot of fun for them. Every Banjar, Balinese village community, must prepare at least one Ogoh – ogoh each year.

The effigies usually take the form of the wild mythical giant, Bhuta Kala, an evil spirit. But in recent times the Ogoh – ogoh have been made in the form of popular cartoon characters, or notorious public figures guilty of graft and terrorism. Ogoh – ogoh symbolize evil spirits and all the bad things that can be encountered in this life. They are terrifying images and many locals, including my host, feel fear just looking at them

The Ogoh – ogoh Parade is conducted in March each year one day before the celebration of Nyepi. This year was no different. Nyepi is the Balinese Hindu day of silence. I joined my Balinese Hindu friends at home and in their household temple for the celebrations. Nyepi celebrates Caka, the new year according to the Balinese Hindu calendar. Everyone, even small children observed the day in quietness, self evaluation and introspection. They were absorbed in thinking about past deeds, and how to live better. The entire Banjar was in darkness at night. No one used lighting or fire. We stayed at home in contemplation and meditation. No one went visiting nor was any entertainment available. Nyepi lasts for 24 hours. The streets were deserted, tourism stopped, the airport and harbours closed.

The Ogoh – ogoh monsters were carried around the villages in a spectacular carnival enjoyed by all. Color, loud traditional music and lots of fun and laughter. At the end they are burned as a way of exorcising evil or to dissipate any negative energy. It’s a fantastic time. I hope you come and see it one day.