After 2 years and thousands of people who lives in Bali did not have an opportunity to experience the Ogoh-ogoh right before the Silence Day until this year.
Ogoh-ogoh is a giant handmade doll (or statue?) that made of bamboo, paper, wood, and other things to make it stands strong. Dozens of guys will lift it, walk it on the street to the crossroad. At the crossroad, they will lift it and run it in circle along with the gamelan music.
I watched this parade at my first year living in Bali. I was in a middle of the crowds at the center of Ubud, and it felt so fantastic for me and I really hope I can see this parade in the next year but unfortunately the pandemic is happening.
This year, on March 3rd, 2022, we were all happy that can see this parade once again and as I expected, this parade is still good as before and I thought more exciting because we did not see it for the years! Government's rules made this parade had to be cancelled twice!
Ogoh-ogoh Parade is a same as New Year's Eve in Balinese. They have Pengerupukan in the afternoon the day before Nyepi (Silence Day) and at night, we gathered at the crossroad before the day of Nyepi.
So what do we do on Nyepi? My Balinese friends told me that they forbidden to do stuffs. Like lit fire for cooking, smoking, or anything that uses fire. Also forbidden to turn on any electronic things. You just stay at home and do nothing. You will get fine if the Pecalang (village security) finds you walking on the street (except for something emergency).
I really hope that next year the pandemic is really over and this parade will be gathered a lot more people around the world and experience the Earth Hour in Balinese's way, Nyepi!