artist Epong paints teeth of a Ogoh-ogoh called Bhuta Kala (demon spirit), Kala Tetajen (spirit of gambling and cockfight), Pelihatan,Central Bali, 2012. The head will be placed on the huge body sculpture one day later.. Balinese New Year called Nyepi (around march according to lunar calendar), is a silent day of meditation and spiritual purification. One day before exorcist rituals are held for purification and balance of polar powers of the universe, first at noon by a priest (exorcism...
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artist Epong paints teeth of a Ogoh-ogoh called Bhuta Kala (demon spirit), Kala Tetajen (spirit of gambling and cockfight), Pelihatan,Central Bali, 2012. The head will be placed on the huge body sculpture one day later.. Balinese New Year called Nyepi (around march according to lunar calendar), is a silent day of meditation and spiritual purification. One day before exorcist rituals are held for purification and balance of polar powers of the universe, first at noon by a priest (exorcism called Caru or Tawur Agung) and later on after sunset in a popular, carneval-like procession of Ogoh-Ogoh, symbolizing bhuta kali (demon, bad spirits,bad habits), so all the bad spirits leave the village and the island. Loud, rhythmic music and special performances are part of the procession called Ngerupuk. Road crossings are major spots of exorcism and special ogoh-ogoh performance, since demons often like to dwell here. At Nyepi, the following day, there is 24 hours silence, no vehicle or people on the street, no light or fire, no working - all the bad spirits should think, the island is abandoned and leave the island. Day after Nyepi is a day of reconciliation - new year starts purified.
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