Ogoh ogoh

Ogoh ogoh is usually performed in a series of Nyepi celebration on the day tawur Kesanga ie, precisely on that evening called “pengerupukan.”  In celebration of the new year or Nyepi Saka, ogoh-ogoh has a role as a symbol or visualization  of procession of neutralizing negative forces or powers Bhuta.

Where ogoh-ogoh created in celebration of Nyepi is a manifestation Bhuta when the natural elements which consist of water, fire, light, soil, and air are visualized in the form of scary, because if excessive force of nature that would certainly be a destructive force and creepy. In General Indonesian Dictionary (1986) Ogoh-Ogoh defined as ondel-ondel diverse with a sinister shape. If in view of the visual forms and materials used to make it, define what ogoh-ogoh it is not easy. This is caused by the changing times that are so fast that ogoh-ogoh no longer be explained or described by default, be it from the materials used to make or form and shape ogoh-ogoh itself. So that various definitions appear to explain what the ogoh-ogoh.

On the other hand, Laura Noszlopy (2003), a researcher who examined the "Bali Arts Festival; culture, politics, and contemporary Indonesian art "for the Arts of Africa Foundation defines ogoh-ogoh as follows Ogoh-ogoh is a large statue that tebuat of pulp and adhesives that are usually made by the youth of Bali as a part of the annual celebration" cleansing ceremony "(ngerupukan), which carried out the day before the celebration of Nyepi, the Hindu new year or day retreat.

 In celebration of the new year or Nyepi Saka, ogoh-ogoh has a role as a symbol or visualization  of procession of neutralizing negative forces or strength Bhuta (forces of nature). Where ogoh-ogoh created in celebration of Nyepi is a manifestation Bhuta when the natural elements which consist of water, fire, light, soil, and air are visualized in the form of scary, because if excessive force of nature that would certainly be a destructive force and creepy.

To find out when the emergence of ogoh-ogoh is definitely very difficult to do, since so many versions of the emergence of the ogoh-ogoh. The estimated ogoh-ogoh known since antiquity Dalem Balingkang which time ogoh-ogoh worn during the ceremony Pitra yadnya. Another opinion says ogoh-ogoh are inspired by tradition Ngusaba Ndong-nding in the village of Selat Karangasem.

Other estimates also appear and mention barong Landung which is an embodiment of Raden Datonta and Sri Dewi Baduga (married couples ugly and creepy who had ruled in Bali) forerunner of ogoh-ogoh that we know today. Additional information is also stated that the ogoh-ogoh it appears 70'an. Based on the description of the appearance of ogoh-ogoh it in Denpasar initially only as activities to fill any spare time, Mr. Nyoman turncoat are derived from Denpasar making ogoh-ogoh with the goal as children's games, and nothing at all had anything to do with the celebration of Nyepi.

However, because it is deemed to fit into a symbol of celebration tawur, finally ogoh-ogoh are used in the celebration of Nyepi. There is also an opinion stating there is a possibility ogoh-ogoh was made by the craftsmen who have statue sculpting rocks, stone or wood, but on the other hand they want to show their skills in sculpting, which raised an idea to create a sculpture of a lightweight material so that the results will be paraded and performed. Regardless of the controversy about the differences in the history of the emergence of ogoh-ogoh, this event has given a new color to the celebration of Nyepi, open the creative arena and as a means of unifying the younger generation. Is our duty so that the celebration ogoh - ogoh run in accordance with the meaning and purpose initially.