Two Customary Villages in Tabanan Prohibit Making Ogoh-Ogoh

Most youth organisations in Bali have begun preparing ogoh-ogoh to welcome Nyepi Day. However, two customary villages—Desa Adat Nyatnyatan and Desa Adat Munduk Pakel, located in East Selemadeg District, Tabanan Regency—maintain a prohibition against making or parading ogoh-ogoh during the pengerupukan eve or the day before Nyepi. This ban has been in place since both customary villages were established.

“There is a prohibition in Desa Nyatnyatan and Desa Adat Munduk Pakel that does not permit the making of ogoh-ogoh. Even before I was born, this rule already existed,” said I Nengah Lendra, a community leader and former village chief (bendesa adat) of Nyatnyatan, on Monday, 2 March 2026.

Lendra explained that village elders regard ogoh-ogoh as sacred because they are crafted in conjunction with similarly sanctified ceremonies. Additionally, the final stage or location for burning the ogoh-ogoh (pralina) at both villages remains uncertain to this day. As a result, customary leaders and stakeholders in both villages have advised the community against making ogoh-ogoh during the Nyepi celebration, and this prohibition continues to be observed.

“We continue to advise the youth to maintain the rules that have been in place. If violated, we fear there could be negative consequences. To this day, the young people have steadfastly adhered to this rule,” Lendra added.

Nevertheless, other Nyepi preparations continue as scheduled, including the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony held one day before Nyepi.