[Ubudian]

For those of us in Bali, the ogoh-ogoh parades tonight should be fantastic as it seems to me that more have been made this year than in many past years. In our village we have made nine of them.

I’ve also heard that there will be a more strict enforcement of the Day of Silence, Nyepi Day, tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Just for fun, here are some photos of ogoh-ogoh from past years in our village:

[Made Tommy Brahmaputra]

Me and Wayan just came home after a weekend of catastrophic proportions partially spent in Ubud and then the latter part in Denpasar before we were able to get home. I'll may be tell more about what happened after Nyepi.

Very nice photos! I don't think i spot any of the three amigos, Bima, Rama and Komang, in there? The sad restriction of ogoh-ogoh seem now to have eased, at least for this year, and instead the day before Nyepi, Ngerupuk, is now promoted as it always has been perceived to me; an important cultural bonding day for all ages. Not to mention the tamu's all seem to love it (i sure do) even though many who do not celebrate it spiritually shudder by the thought of doing 'nothing' for a whole day afterwards. I guess if Nyepi is more explained as a day for introspective thoughts and strengthening or reaffirming your beliefs then at least some would possibly feel better going through it. Many people i've spoken too just want to run away to another island or check into a hotel. This goes for alot of Indonesians who find or have no reason to celebrate it as well.

In Denpasar or Badung regency i believe there's even a 'Best Ogoh Ogoh' competition with price money at stake. I saw a REALLY fantastic ogoh-ogoh when we drove past Sidakarya this Saturday where a big fierce buta kalah with blood-red skin and black hair was in an explosive battle against Ganesha, slightly smaller in size kinda funny smiling and harmonious as usual, who had grabbed the buta kala's neck and held up his axe in a defensive manoeuvre or counterstrike. Some of the best Ogoh-Ogohs i've seen for sure and i love the ones which have two characters involved so even if they are static they turn much alive fighting each other or together.

Ngerupuk, the day before Nyepi, is just such a good day for all ages even though some, luckily a minority, of the teenagers and middle-aged Balinese decide to go crazy with arak, tuak and top that off with some really loud music systems along certain roads. In village areas the 'karbit cannons' will start warming up days before. Pretty dangerous stuff really but enjoyable in moderation. What i enjoy most is to see really well created Ogoh-Ogohs where you see they have really put effort into it and it wasn't just done by anyone.. but a talented someone. I also love seeing the spirit of the kids preparing to make their 'cikiplit' ogoh-ogoh's and getting all the materials together.. the bambo sticks, paint, paper for the skin, hair etc. Cikiplit is something of a slang word for 'really small'.

The oddest ogoh ogoh i've seen this year so far was a soccer player who didn't look much 'buta kala' or monster like. His name on the back was 'Kale.S' which would mean 'kale'.. monster .. plus the S makes it 'Kales' which means 'Sideburns' in Balinese. Kind of amusing idea though and sure put a smile on our faces passing by.

Om Swastiastu
Rahajeng Nyanggra Rahinan Jagat, Nyepi, Dumogi I Rage Sareng Sami Presida Ngemargiang Catur Brata Penyepian
Om, Canti, Canti, Canti, Om

My best to you my friend, The wonderful three amigos Bima, Rama and Komang and your wife Eri. Wish you all a happy new year and a prosper future year filled with joy for you all, from me and Wayan.