Ogoh-ogoh
In its own language: ᬳᭀᬕᭀᬄ ᬳᭀᬕᭀᬄ
from Balinese ogah, meaning to shake repeatedly
Balinese sculptures paraded and burned to cleanse the environment before Nyepi
Ogoh-ogoh are large figures crafted by Balinese communities to represent negative forces. They are paraded during the Pangrupukan ritual before the Hindu New Year, Nyepi, and then burned to eliminate evil.
- Paraded during Pangrupukan before Nyepi
- Burned to eliminate negative forces
- Made by banjar neighborhood groups
- Name means 'to shake repeatedly'
- Emerged in 1980s from older customs
What it is
Ogoh-ogoh are large, often frightening sculptures created in Bali as part of a purification ritual. These figures symbolize the evils of human nature and negative forces in the universe. The tradition is central to the Pangrupukan ceremony, which prepares the community for Nyepi, the Saka New Year. After being paraded through villages, the statues are burned to physically destroy the negativity they represent.
Where it comes from
The modern practice emerged in the 1980s, though it draws on older customs. Earlier forms included lelakut scarecrows used in rice fields and statues carried during royal cremations called pelebon. Journalists note that youth groups in Denpasar began shaking these figures to create movement, leading to the name ogoh-ogoh. The tradition was formalized after Nyepi became a national holiday in 1983.
How it is done
Communities known as banjar construct the figures using frames of bamboo or rattan covered with paper or styrofoam. The creation process takes weeks or months. During the parade, participants shake the statues vigorously to simulate dancing or aggressive movement. The event concludes with the burning of the figures in village cemetery fields to neutralize harmful spirits.
Tools and materials
Artisans use woven bamboo, rattan, paper, and historically styrofoam. Traditional music accompanies the parade using gamelan baleganjur instruments like kentungan drums and cengceng cymbals. Loudspeakers were banned in 2015 to preserve cultural authenticity. Modern versions sometimes include mechanical parts controlled by smartphones.
Ogoh-ogoh, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Tawur Kesanga procession
- Timing
- before Nyepi
What it is for
The primary intent is to appease beings from lower realms and neutralize negative environmental forces before the new year. The burning represents the elimination of negative traits within humans. The ritual aims to restore balance and purity to the village and surrounding area.
Who does it
Local neighborhood associations called banjar organize the construction and parade. Young people in Denpasar initiated the modern shaking style in the 1970s. While initially opposed by elders, the practice gained widespread acceptance. Craftsmen spend significant time building complex figures, sometimes involving engineering students for mechanical innovations.
Peoples and places
The tradition is rooted in Balinese Hindu culture but has spread to other Indonesian regions with Hindu populations like East Java and Lampung. Outside Bali, it serves as a symbol of interfaith harmony. It is also showcased in international cultural parades, introducing Balinese artistic expression to global audiences.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Peoples
Belief worlds
Occasions
What people believe
Hindu beliefs hold that negative forces must be expelled to welcome the new year. Butakala, supernatural beings of the lower realm, are common themes representing human flaws. The ritual connects to ancient lontar manuscripts regarding magical power and pest control, evolving into a broader spiritual cleansing practice.
When it is done
The event occurs during Tawur Kesanga, specifically on Pangrupukan day, immediately preceding Nyepi. This timing aligns with the Saka calendar's new year. The ritual replaces earlier practices of lighting torches and scattering aromatic spices to drive away pests and evil.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Cultural experts trace the lineage from ancient scarecrows and cremation statues to the current form. Historians note the shift from simple straw dolls to elaborate papier-mâché structures. The development reflects changing social dynamics and government support for Balinese arts following its recognition as a national holiday.
Cautions and what is closed
In the 1990s and 2000s, local governments restricted designs depicting politics, ethnicity, or religion to maintain social order. Some parades were prohibited during volatile political periods. The 2015 ban on styrofoam addressed health and environmental concerns, pushing communities toward eco-friendly materials.
Compare and confuse
Ogoh-ogoh shares roots with Barong Landung puppets and onggokan statues. Unlike stage magic, this is a sacred ritual. It differs from general Halloween traditions by its specific religious context within Balinese Hinduism and its focus on communal purification rather than entertainment.
Rites that involve Ogoh-ogoh
Days linked to Ogoh-ogoh
Questions people ask about Ogoh-ogoh
What are ogoh-ogoh?
They are large sculptures made by Balinese communities to represent negative forces. They are paraded and burned during the Pangrupukan ritual before the Hindu New Year, Nyepi, to cleanse the environment.
Where does the tradition come from?
It developed in the 1980s in Bali, drawing inspiration from older practices like lelakut scarecrows and statues used in royal cremations. Youth groups in Denpasar popularized the shaking style.
Why are they shaken during the parade?
The word ogoh-ogoh comes from the Balinese word for shaking. The vigorous movement creates an illusion of dancing or aggression, symbolizing the active presence of negative energy before it is destroyed.
What materials are used to build them?
Traditionally, artisans use bamboo or rattan frames covered with paper. Styrofoam became common in the 2010s but was banned in 2015 for environmental reasons. Modern versions may include mechanical parts.
Is this practice only in Bali?
No. It is practiced in other Indonesian regions with Hindu populations like East Java and Lampung. It is also shown in international cultural parades, promoting interfaith harmony outside Indonesia.
Good reading and sources
- Ogoh-ogoh on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ogoh-ogoh", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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