Bali boasts a unique allure for tourists, drawing them in with its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Among the many traditions celebrated on the island, the Ogoh-ogoh festival stands out as a much-anticipated annual event that is part of the Nyepi Day festivities. This vibrant celebration features young people parading giant demon statues through the streets, culminating in the dramatic burning or destruction of these figures, symbolizing the eradication of negativity.
This year, the Ogoh-ogoh festival is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, from 18:00 to 00:00 WITA. The evening timing adds to the festival's mystique and drama, creating an enchanting atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with colorful displays and the sounds of celebration.
The festival serves several significant purposes for the Hindu community in Bali. Primarily, it marks the arrival of the Saka New Year in a pure spiritual state, aiming to cleanse the universe of evil and chaos. Additionally, it expresses religious values during this sacred moment and provides a platform for the younger generation to showcase their creativity and artistic talents.
For those looking to experience the Ogoh-ogoh parade, there are several prime locations across Bali to catch the festivities. Notable spots include Kuta (Pasar Kuta), Legian (Jalan Legian near Hotel Mercure), Kerobokan (Lio Square), Seminyak (Camplung Tanduk), Denpasar (Lapangan Puputan), Sanur (near McDonald's Sanur), and Ubud (jalan utama Ubud, near Puri Ubud). To secure a good viewing spot in the city center, it’s advisable to arrive early, around 15:00-16:00 WITA, as many roads will be closed in preparation for the parade.
Meanwhile, in Maluku, the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) is also organizing an Ogoh-Ogoh parade to celebrate Nyepi Day, which corresponds to the Saka Year 1947/2025. This event will take place in front of the Gong Perdamaian and will be officially inaugurated by the Deputy Governor of Maluku, Abdullah Vanath. In his remarks, Vanath emphasized the importance of tolerance, stating that "tolerance must start from Maluku. The Ogoh-Ogoh is not just a celebration of Nyepi but also a showcase of ideology."
Vanath further reassured the Hindu community in Maluku of the government's support, emphasizing that the government is committed to fostering interfaith harmony. He mentioned, "The government will be present in the form of donations or attendance at every activity like this." He also addressed the current stability of food supplies in Maluku, noting that while prices for certain items, like chilies, have recently increased, overall prices remain controlled.
As the Nyepi festivities approach, the Deputy Governor urged the Muslim community in Ambon and the surrounding ten regencies to safeguard their children during the upcoming Idul Fitri celebrations, advising against reckless behavior such as street racing. He expressed gratitude to the PHDI and the Hindu community for their contributions to social activities leading up to Nyepi Day.
In summary, the Ogoh-ogoh festival is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Bali and the broader Indonesian archipelago. It serves as an important reminder of the values of community, creativity, and spiritual renewal. As the festivities kick off this March, both locals and tourists alike are invited to partake in the unique experiences that the Ogoh-ogoh parades offer, celebrating unity and cultural heritage.
