Seven Ogoh-ogoh Liven Up Jogja Caka Fest at Pura Banguntapan, Bantul
A number of Hindu devotees welcomed the Nyepi celebration of Saka Year 1948 by displaying seven ogoh-ogoh at Pura Banguntapan, Bantul. The event, titled Jogja Caka Fest (JCF) 2026, seeks to restore the negative symbolism of ogoh-ogoh into positive messages.
JCF advisor AKP I Nengah Jeffry Prana Widnyana stated that the event, themed Nawa Natya, is a competition of ogoh-ogoh creativity. However, the competition not only emphasises aesthetics but also the restoration of the essence of art as a medium for social messages.
Jeffry continued that traditionally, ogoh-ogoh are known as representations of negative forces that must be melted away. However, this year’s Jogja Caka Fest carries a deeper mission, that this art has evolved into an interactive communication medium.
“Symbolically, ogoh-ogoh are indeed representations of negative things that are melted away. But along with the development of the times, this has become a cultural medium to deliver positive messages to society,” he told reporters in Banguntapan, Bantul, on Wednesday (18/3/2026).
In the JCF, there are several major participating groups. First, KMHD Sanata Dharma (Jro Gede), KMHD UGM & KMHD UNY, PMHD Banguntapan (Lelepah), Keluarga Puri Kanoman (Ratu Niang), KMHSY and Komunitas DARMIKA (Pralaya Bhuana).
“So there are seven ogoh-ogoh displayed in this JCF. We are highlighting social and environmental issues embodied in the creativity of ogoh-ogoh art and performing arts,” he said.
All of this aligns with Nawa Natya, which refers to the nine dimensions of performance that serve as evaluation standards as well as the philosophy of presentation.
The nine dimensions, Jeffry continued, are Satua (Story Narrative), Rupa (Character Visualisation), Gerak (Carrying Choreography), Wirama (Balaganjur Music Rhythm), Wirasa (Embodiment/Expression), Kala (Timing Accuracy), Sasmita (Implicit Moral Message), Yasa (Collective Work/Gotong Royong) and Tattwa (Religious Philosophical Basis).
“Nawa Natya is a promise that in Jogja Caka Fest, the audience will witness ogoh-ogoh performances in nine harmonies of art that bring a story to life,” he said.
Jeffry added that JCF can become a cultural magnet that strengthens harmony while preserving noble values amid modernity.