The most beautiful day of the year is almost upon us here in Bali. Tonight, the island will begin to fall still and silent as the gongs ring out across communities, marking the beginning of the holy day of silence.
But before Nyepi can begin, the monstrous Ogoh Ogoh must clear the energy of the land, and things are about to get noisy, fiery, and a little bit fearsome on the streets of Bali.
Bali’s Ogoh Ogoh Parades, also known as the Pengrupukan ceremony, is one of the most exhilarating cultural spectacles in all of Indonesia. The Bali Tourism Board describes the Ogoh Ogoh Parades as “a vibrant and mesmerizing Balinese Hindu ceremony that takes place on the night before Nyepi, the Day of Silence.
During Pengrupukan, the Balinese people create and parade magnificent Ogoh-Ogoh statues through the streets. The Ogoh-Ogohs are unique, larger-than-life creatures, made of bamboo and paper, depicting demons and evil spirits that represent negative energy.”
Anyone who has been in Bali for at least the last couple of days will have caught glimpses of fearsome-looking statues and effigies receiving the final touches on village streets and in Banjar village halls all across the island. It seems that every year, communities make Ogoh Ogoh bigger, more intricately designed, and frankly evermore impressive than any of us thought possible.
While road closures across Bali came into effect from 4 pm today, for those still undecided about where to watch the Ogoh Ogoh, the biggest parades will start from the following locations. It’s important to note that there is no official start time for these parades, but make sure you’re in place around sunset.
Denpasar City
Denpasar: Puputan Square
Sanur: McDonald’s & KFC intersection
South Bali
Kuta: Jalan Legian & Jalan Kuta
Seminyak: Jalan Oberoi & Jalan Kayu Aya
Canggu: Jalan Batu Bolong & Berawa
Seseh: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot & Jalan Pantai Munggu
Jimbaran: Jalan Uluwatu
Uluwatu: Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu
Central Bali
Ubud: Ubud Soccer Field
Kota Gianyar: Gianyar Market
Tabanan: Taman Kota Tabanan
North Bali
Singaraja: Jalan Diponegoro
Pemuteran: Pulaki Temple
Nusa Penida: Toyapakeh
The Pengrupukan ceremony holds huge spiritual significance for Balinese Hindus, and there is so much ritual happening within the ceremony.
One key aspect of the ceremony to look out for is when the young men carrying and running the Ogoh Ogoh through the streets stop at every junction and intersection along the route and turn the statue three times. This is said to confuse the bad spirits so they cannot come down to the earthly realms.
Tourists planning on observing the Ogoh Ogoh parade close to their accommodation are welcome to take photos and videos, but to be respectful and mindful that this is an important and reverent religious ceremony.
Tourists are also reminded to listen to and cooperate with pecalang officers who are in charge of keeping everyone safe. These local security officers are in charge of crowd control and often have to move or disperse crowds along streets ahead of the biggest Ogoh Ogoh being paraded through.
Once the parades are over, it is expected of both local residents and tourists to return to their homes and accommodation promptly. Tourists staying in local guesthouses, private villas, and homestays may encounter pecalanag conducting patrols through properties on Nyepi Eve and throughout Nyepi itself. Pecalang are also tasked with ensuring the rules of Nyepi are honoured by everyone.
The four key rules of Nyepi are Amati Geni — No fire or light, including electricity. No cooking or entertainment. Amati Karya — No work or physical activity, except spiritual practice. Amati Lelunganan — No travel or leaving one’s home. Amati Lelanguan — No entertainment or self-indulgence.
Tourists who have missed out on being in Bali for Nyepi in 2026 can start planning their next visits! In 2027, Nyepi will be observed on 8th March, and in 2028, it will be honoured on 26th March.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.