Judging of the 2026 Kasanga Ogoh-Ogoh Competition Continues Despite Three Days of Rain
The judging of the 2026 Kasanga Festival Ogoh-Ogoh competition entered its third day in the Denpasar Barat area on Wednesday (25/2/2026). The judging process continued despite the rain that has been falling in Denpasar for three consecutive days.
“The main challenges are the rain and traffic,” said one of the judges for the 2026 Kasanga Festival, I Wayan Juliarta, when interviewed by detikBali on Wednesday (25/2/2026).
The judging process began on Monday (23/2/2026) in the Denpasar Timur, Denpasar Selatan, and Denpasar Barat sub-districts, and will end in Denpasar Utara on Thursday (26/2/2026). The judging begins in the morning, around 09:00 Wita, and sometimes continues late into the night due to weather constraints.
“Of course, it is delayed due to these constraints. But in the field, what I see is that the Yowana (youth) are still enthusiastic in supporting us,” added Juliarta.
Despite the delays, the judging continues to run according to schedule, with one sub-district being assessed per day. “Yes, because this has been scheduled, each sub-district is given one day. It must be completed, no matter what time,” said Juliarta.
This assessment is carried out to find the sixteen best nominations that will be featured in the peak of the 2026 Kasanga Ogoh-Ogoh Festival competition on March 6-8. Denpasar is highlighting the specific theme of Jala Sidhi Shuvita or ‘Honoring Water for Prosperity’.
“We assess the highest based on the form, anatomy, and expression, as well as the relevance to the chosen theme. Because the theme is water, we are learning how to execute this theme into a work of art,” explained Juliarta.
One of the Ogoh-Ogoh creations being assessed in Denpasar Barat is titled ‘Satya Pada Nawa Ruci’ by STT Swastika Banjar Pekambingan. This work tells the story of Bima meeting Dewa Ruci, with the addition of nine dragon heads that symbolize Dewata Nawa Sanga.
Goesman Rahina, one of the undagi (designers) of the Ogoh-Ogoh from Banjar Pekambingan, admitted that they chose the character of Bima because of its detailed body anatomy, which is also a unique advantage of Banjar Pekambingan.
“Because the hallmark of Pekambingan is the detailed body anatomy. We are looking for a realistic concept. So the scales, teeth, eyes, and mouth are the most difficult to attach. We made them round, using colored paper and hot glue. It took almost a month to attach them one by one,” explained Rahina.
Another challenge faced is related to adjusting the width and position of the Ogoh-Ogoh, which requires a lot of consideration. In addition, the rain also hampered the making of the Ogoh-Ogoh due to the limited space in the banjar (community hall).
“We don’t have a wantilan (open building), which is like the common community halls. So we worked outside for three months,” said Rahina.