On 26 March 2008, in Bali we will have ‘NYEPI DAY‘ as a Silence day, which officially starts from 6am and ends on 6am the next day.As a resident of Bali, I have experienced this ‘black out’ day for 8 times. The Hindus/Balinese stay at home, no light, no work, some even do fasting. Totally silence (and save energy too!!)Back then in 80’s I remember only tourists buses from airport were allowed to do the guests transfer, but not anymore. It’s a total silence & dark.

But tourism industry seems taking benefit from this religious event, by offering so many packages of Nyepi Break, staying 2 nights,3 days in a hotel with all inclusive package. I tried that too, playing cards with friends, watching movies, the next year, stayed at home, have all windows covered with thick papers, still those ‘pecalang‘ managed to switch off my electricity meter as they must’ve heard the TV noise from my room. Uugrrhh… can’t I just live normal for 5 minutes.

But one cool thing from Nyepi day, is the Ogoh ogoh parade, one day before, called Pengrupukan Day, they made all these beasts, in all classics, traditionals, even cartoon characters such as spongebob, dora emon, even punk rocker!, all displayed first at their respective ‘Banjar‘, and parade them after along the street with gongs and flame of torches. There’s always a good moment to capture some great shots of young people carrying their Ogoh Ogoh. They even made a festival, judge them, with a winner for the best Ogoh Ogoh.

But with the latest cancellation announcement from Denpasar Municipal government to not to have Ogoh Ogoh Parade related to the Legislative Election that are going closer now, I see that Bali might lost and probably has lost many big projects for community that usually generate business for local people. Making Ogoh ogoh cost lost of money, and for Ogoh ogoh makers this means business!

But I heard this recommendation is only valid for Denpasar area, I noticed some area in Badung Regency, for exemple in Seminyak, those kids already started to form their giant green beast. I wish I could escape island for this Nyepi, but the flight tickets to Java cost so much!! More expensive than making one Sailor Moon Ogoh Ogoh! haha…