Renon Chooses Tradition without Ogoh-Ogoh, Rooted in Spiritual Guidance and Unexplained Events
Whilst nearly all regions of Bali celebrated the Pengerupukan evening with ogoh-ogoh processions, Renon Adat Village in Denpasar consistently maintained a different tradition. This decision was not arbitrary but stemmed from spiritual guidance and unexplained incidents believed by residents since 1985.
As ogoh-ogoh developed across Bali as a symbol of bhuta kala (malevolent spirits) to be neutralised through ceremony and subsequently destroyed, Renon experienced a distinctly different situation. A Baris Cina dancer, whilst in a state of possession, reportedly conveyed spiritual guidance that bhuta kala already neutralised should not be ‘revived’ through ogoh-ogoh.
This belief strengthened following strange occurrences during ogoh-ogoh construction, with one resident reportedly witnessing an ogoh-ogoh moving of its own volition without anyone moving it.
“This decision was not without reason, but rooted in spiritual events believed by the local community from long ago,” said I Made Sutomo, serving as Jero Mangku (spiritual leader), on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Attempts to resume ogoh-ogoh construction in 1992 similarly ended in unexplained incidents. Since then, residents agreed to cease making and parading ogoh-ogoh until the present day.
Sutomo stressed that these events bore no direct connection to the Baris Cina dance, which remained part of Renon’s tradition and was frequently performed at local temples and beyond.
“There is no direct connection between ogoh-ogoh and the Baris Cina dance,” he explained.
He added that ogoh-ogoh was not a mandatory component of Nyepi Day celebrations, which comprised Melasti, the Tawur or caru ritual during Pengerupukan, and Nyepi itself.
“In the scriptures, ogoh-ogoh is not mentioned as a mandatory element; it is now more a matter of creativity,” he clarified.
According to Sutomo, Renon remained the sole region maintaining the tradition without ogoh-ogoh. Each year, visitors from outside the area arrived to enquire about the reasons.
“To my knowledge, only Renon does not make ogoh-ogoh. Because of this, every year there are always people coming to ask,” he said.
Pengerupukan Continues
Without ogoh-ogoh, Pengerupukan in Renon proceeded as usual. Residents performed the caru ceremony to neutralise negative energy, followed by rituals in individual households.
Sounds from wooden mallets or gamelan instruments and flames from burning dried coconut leaves remained integral to the tradition.
“Although there is no ogoh-ogoh, the elements of sound, fire, and ritual offerings are still performed because they are indeed part of the tradition,” said Sutomo.
The sound of wooden mallets in the neighbourhood marked the commencement of Pengerupukan, followed by simple rituals in residents’ homes.
As a space for creativity, young people of Renon now organised artistic activities following the ceremony, including torch processions, gamelan performances throughout the neighbourhood, and performances at the Bale Agung hall.
“Now the young people still engage in activities, with torch processions, gamelan, and art performances. But clearly, there is no ogoh-ogoh,” said Sutomo.
Maintained Across Generations
Renon resident I Wayan Surata recalled learning of the ogoh-ogoh prohibition from childhood. He was born a year before the tradition began to be abandoned around 1985.
“I once knew about it around 1985 for the last time, then around 1992. Those years I was probably still young and did not fully understand. But as a young person, I must follow what became a historical milestone or experiences that had passed,” said Surata on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
According to him, the tradition was passed down from parents and community leaders as part of an established norm requiring no modification.
“Since childhood it was instilled in this way. So until now I do not dare violate it. From parents and community leaders too, the view is that in Balinese tradition the rules are complete and do not need additions or strange innovations,” he said.
He continued transmitting these values to his children, though he permitted them to observe ogoh-ogoh outside Renon.
“From my parents to me, then from me to my children. In our community it is like this,” he added.
As an alternative, Renon Adat Village organised the Renon Kreatif Festival (RCF) annually following Pengerupukan. This event featured various artistic performances, beginning with a torch procession and centred at the Bale Agung hall.
“The aim is to provide positive activities for the community. So the creativity usually expressed in ogoh-ogoh is now realised through the Renon Kreatif Festival,” he explained.