Ogoh-Ogoh Parade – Eve of Nyepi March 24th 2020 One of the most awaited events to take place on the eve of Nyepi; the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade has gained worldwide recognition due to its cultural uniqueness. Before the parade starts, every family will conduct prayers and blessings at the family temple before conducting a ritual called “Pengrupukan” – which means, to chase away malevolent forces. Entire families will go through their homes hitting pots and pans and carrying lit fiery torches. These evil spirits are later manifested in the form of the OgohOgoh or demon effigies with bulging eyes made of bamboo, papier-mâché and cloth. Carried through the streets in torch-lit parades, the Ogoh-Ogoh’s purpose is to bewilder evil spirits to flee and cease harming human beings. On this day, cockfighting is permitted because the spilling of blood is necessary for the purpose of purification. The parade usually starts at around 19:00 local time and can be viewed on all major roads around Bali. Nyepi Day 2020 (Day of Silence) March 25th 2020 Commemorating the start of the Hindu New Year, Nyepi Day marks one of the most unique religious celebrations in all the world – it is a day of complete silence where the entire island of Bali shuts down in total peace and quiet for 24 hours. Bali’s roads will be devoid of people, vehicles and activities and the Balinese people will spend the day fasting and resting in contemplation and meditation. It is observed from 6am to 6am the following day. Throughout these hours, everyone stays indoors, whether in family homes, resorts or villas and try to remain as quiet as possible. Not a single soul on the island of Bali will be allowed to work, seek entertainment or pleasure or even travel. In fact, many devout Hindus will not be talking or eating at all. When night falls, all of Bali is shrouded in pitch darkness while activities may still continue indoors under the covers of thick blackout curtains. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. In most towns, villages and areas outside of major hotels and resorts, the local government has decreed that WIFI, Radio and TV signals must be turned off so that the spirit of Nyepi can be fully observed and appreciated. Gembak Geni March 26th 2020 The day after Nyepi is referred to by the Balinese as Ngembak Geni. On this day, the Hindus go around their towns or villages and ask for forgiveness from each other so that they could start the New Year fresh. Derived from two words, “Ngembak” meaning free and “Geni” meaning fire, and therefore, Ngembak Geni translates to “free of fire”. It’s an interesting day following Nyepi as the locals would carry-out a wide range of ceremonies and rituals on this day while visiting friends and families. Many Balinese-owned shops will be closed on this day.
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| BALIPLUS March 2020
