Nyepi. The Day Before
The day before Nyepi is when all the action happens. Most shops and restaurants are closed from around midday, 18 March, 2026. Some are still open till later, but not many. There is zero nightlife. In the late afternoon the Ogoh Ogoh begin to be paraded along the main streets of town. Get a vantage point at a busy intersection if you want to watch the parade. Be early!
Here is what happens in the lead up to and the days before Nyepi
In general, the Melasti ceremony is held two to three days before Nyepi. Melasti itself has the meaning of cleansing Bhuana Alit (the power within humans) and Bhuana Agung (the universe) which is carried out in Segara (sea). Usually during the implementation of Melasti, Pralingga-pralingga in the form of Rangda, Barong, Arca and Pretima are also brought and paraded around the village to the nearest beach. Hindus who take part in the Melasti ceremony generally wear white clothes. Melasti is carried out in every village, so that before Nyepi we will often see it along the roads. In Bali Melasti is also called melis or mekiyis.
The day before Nyepi, the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony is held at the Puputan Badung field in Denpasar. Tawur Agung Kesanga has the meaning of cleaning the Universe of Bhuana Alit and Bhuana Agung based on the concept of Tri Hita Karana or harmonizing the relationship of three important elements, namely humans and God, humans and nature, and humans and humans. Tawur Agung Kesanga is a Bhuta Yadnya ceremony carried out for the welfare and harmony of nature. This yadnya is carried out for the welfare of nature. Balance and harmony in nature are the main focus during life on earth. In each Hindu household, a Mecaru ceremony is also carried out, which has the same meaning as Tawur Agung Kesanga, but the ceremony is on a small scale.
The pengrupukan ceremony is held In the evening, and is a still a strong tradition in Bali. During the sunset hour, early evening around 6pm the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade begins. Ogoh-ogoh is a sculptural work in Balinese culture that depicts the personality of Bhuta Kala. Bhuta Kala represents the immeasurable and undeniable power (Bhu) of the universe and time (Kala). The Ogoh-ogoh symbolises bad elements that must be destroyed and bring back elements that are good for the environment. The shape and design of ogoh-ogoh are usually large and frightening to depict the evil nature that exists in the world. The ogoh-ogoh are paraded around the village carrying torches and accompanied by the bleganjur gamelan. Recently, the ogoh-ogoh have undergone a transformation to adapt to the times, namely starting to use machines so that the ogoh-ogoh’s body can move. By midnight the parade is over and people go home to prepare for the next day of silence.
Here is our photo report of the parade in 2025
The next day, Saka New Year in Bali begins with silence. Read about it here.
This year all lights, noise and movement are kept to a minimum from 6am March 19 till 6am March 20.
Enjoy
Some of the Best Locations to view Ogoh-Ogoh Parades:
Denpasar (Puputan Square/Catur Muka): Offers the most spectacular, competition Ogoh Ogoh parades, attracting huge crowds to see the most complex, artful monsters.
Ubud (Arjuna Statue & Peliatan): Known for exceptionally creative, detailed, and artistic statues that often depict deep mythical stories.
Kuta/Legian (Jalan Legian & Beach Area): Very high-energy parades featuring loud, cheering crowds, usually near the Bali Bomb Memorial.
Sanur (Jalan Tamblingan & Mccas Intersection): A more relaxed, accessible, and friendly atmosphere suitable for families.
Jimbaran (Main road near the beach):
Watch with the sunset and sea as a backdrop.
Canggu/Seminyak (Batu Bolong/Kayu Aya): Lively parades that bring together local village culture with tourists.
