arie Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 I just want to introduce one of so many cultures in our country. Comes from the small Island where I was born, known as Bali. Why I posted this thread because today is a New Year eve in my place, that’s why I feel sad that I can’t celebrate because I’m in other country. Description below was taken from Wikipedia. Tomorrow we will celebrate a New Year,called NYEPI ...what's this about? explanation below. And today is Ogoh-ogoh parade,what is Ogoh-ogoh? explanation below. 23th March 2012. Nyepi Day One day silent in Bali. No fire, no light,no entertainment, no sound, no one allowed to travel. NYEPI is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to Bali's calendar. It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year. Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth. On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together. 22th March 2012.Parade of Ogoh-ogoh greet the Nyepi Day Ogoh-ogoh are statues built for the Ngrupuk parade, which takes place on the eve of Nyepi day in Bali, Indonesia. Ogoh-ogoh normally have form of mythological beings, mostly demons. As with many creative endeavours based on Balinese Hinduism, the creation of Ogoh-ogoh represents spiritual aims inspired by Hindu philosophy. The main purpose of the making of Ogoh-ogoh is the purification of the natural environment of any spiritual pollutants emitted from the activities of living beings (especially humans). The forms of Ogoh-ogoh represent the Bhuta-Kala (Bhuta: eternal energy, Kala: eternal time), according to Hindu teachings. The imperceptible potentials of nature cannot be thoroughly explored by anyone. Philosophically, civilized men are required to manage the natural resources without damaging the environment itself. Aside from being the symbol of Bhuta-Kala, Ogoh-ogoh is considered a symbol of modes of nature that form the malicious characters of living beings. Ogoh-ogoh are usually made by the group of artists found in villages around Bali. After being paraded on a convoy around the town, finally it is burnt to ashes in a cemetery as a symbol of self-purification. An Ogoh-ogoh is normally standing on a pad built of timber planks and bamboos. The pad is designed to sustain the Ogoh-ogoh while it is being lifted and carried around the village or the town square. There are normally eight or more men carrying the Ogoh-ogoh on their shoulders. This procession is accompanied by orchestral music performed by the youth. The use of flares is also a main part of the parade. these are an example picture of ogoh-ogoh: images and here is a video of ogoh-ogoh parade 2011 If you want to know more,you can search on google OK,that's all...and thanks' What about culture at your place? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_in CJ Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 wow,sounds great.i feel wants to go there,see how's that ogoh-ogoh looks like in the real.but i think is scared. and i want to feel the silent day also. oh,so happy nyepi day arie:) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arie Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 thanks' just_in CJ... If you want to feel,come and visit! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just_in CJ Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 yes i will, when i have enough money to go there:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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