The Ogoh-Ogoh parade is a Hindu Balinese ritual that takes place on the day before Nyepi, the Day of Silence. This parade is a grand procession of giant papier-mâché figures, known as “Ogoh-Ogoh,” that symbolize evil spirits or demons. The parade usually takes place in the evening, with the Ogoh-Ogoh being carried on bamboo platforms, accompanied by loud music and dance. The purpose of the Ogoh-Ogoh parade is to purify the environment of evil spirits and negative energy before the start of Nyepi. The Balinese believe that these demons roam the streets on the night before Nyepi, causing chaos and disrupting the peace. By creating these elaborate and fearsome Ogoh-Ogoh figures and parading them through the streets, the Balinese are able to ward off these evil spirits and purify the environment for the upcoming day of silence. The day after the Ogoh-Ogoh parade is Nyepi, the Day of Silence. On this day, the entire island of Bali goes into a state of complete silence, with all lights turned off, and no activity or movement allowed. People in Bali are expected to stay indoors and practice self-reflection and meditation during this time. Nyepi is a day of spiritual cleansing and self-discipline, where the Balinese people reflect on the past year and focus on their spiritual goals for the year ahead.
