Monsters, Demons and Silence

Even 15 years in Mainz couldn’t prepare me for the processions they have on Balinese New Year. You need to see this video to catch a bit of the high energy, high adrenaline half dance, half mock-fight they performed today on the streets with their “Ogoh-Ogoh” called figures representing demons.

It is about chasing away the evil spirits from the island after quite a few days of ritual and purification in families and communities.

After the frantic and noisy play in the streets the whole island will fall silent tomorrow. This coming day, Nyepi Day, the “Silent Day”, requires EVERYBODY to stay indoors, not to have light or fire (meaning the kitchen stays cold), no entertainment, no action and indeed to preferably stay quiet. Like a nation wide Vipassana retreat day. Even the airport shuts down for 24 hours.

See you on the other side. 😉

Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi! Happy Balinese New Year!

If you want to learn more about this amazing celebration, check out these websites:

What is Nyepi?! Details about the Balinese Day of Silence.

www.bali.com/nyepi-day-of-silence.html

Impressive heightSome of the Ogoh Ogoh can be up to 7 metres high

Massive monstersTruly scary some of those demons.

High energyThe energy is rising high in the turning, swinging and accelerating with the statues

Street fightsThere are super dynamic half fight half dance like performances between different Ogoh Ogoh.

ShiningSome are actually shining from the inside

Women carry their demonsThe female demons get carried by groups of women

Parades at nightThe parade comes to full force after sunset

Girls from the BanjarIn between the Ogoh Ogoh some groups will carry torches

Even kids carry the demonsDuring the set-up of the parade the kids get to practice how to carry the statues with the bamboo grid.

Both sex demonsThey are male and female

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