Ogoh-Ogoh Festival Ubud 2025
Experience the Magic at SUSI Villas In Ubud
Once a year… something magical happens.
In the weeks before the Balinese New Year, entire villages gather to create Ogoh-Ogoh — towering demonic statues crafted from bamboo, cloth, Papier-mâché and wild imagination.
On the eve of Nyepi, known as Pengerupukan, the village erupts into celebration. These statues are paraded through the streets to scare away evil spirits.
The energy is wild. Drums, fire, laughter — and these huge creatures dancing in the night. You could feel the whole community coming together.
Stay at SUSI Villas in Ubud, to be surrounded by nature, as the sun starts to set you will first the drums echoing through the rice fields…
What Are Ogoh-Ogohs?
Ogoh-Ogohs are large, elaborate papier-mâché statues built to represent mythological demons or evil spirits. They are constructed in the weeks leading up to Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu New Year (Day of Silence), which typically falls near the end of the month in March.
These statues are often terrifying, grotesque, and surreal—complete with bulging eyes, fangs, claws, wings, or exaggerated human features. The intention is to depict Bhuta Kala, malevolent spirits or negative elements of human nature.
They burn them on the eve of Nyepi Day of Silence—to symbolically cleanse the island of negative energies, malevolent forces, and spiritual pollutants.
Ubud Yowana Festival
The Ubud Yowana Festival is an annual cultural event held in Ubud, Bali, celebrating the island’s rich heritage through traditional performances and activities.
In 2025, the festival took place from March 26 to 28 at Lapangan Astina Parking Lot and Catus Pata Ubud.
Organized by Sabha Yowana Ubud under the theme “NYATUSPATA,” the festival featured various cultural showcases, including the creation and display of ogoh-ogoh—intricately crafted statues symbolizing malevolent spirits, traditionally paraded during the Balinese New Year (Nyepi) celebrations.
The festival attracted both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance, and art, providing attendees with an immersive experience of Bali’s cultural traditions.
The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Ubud
The parade takes place on the eve of Nyepi, known as Pengerupukan. In 2025, Nyepi will fall on March 29, so the Ogoh-Ogoh parade in Ubud will occur on March 28, 2025.
Ubud Palace area and Ubud Monkey Forest Road are popular gathering points for the big Ogoh Ogoh Parades. These ones tend to be more elaborate and attract large crowds.
Villages around Ubud also hold their own smaller parades, each showcasing unique creations. If your not into large crowds this might be a better option for you.
What Happens After the Ogoh Ogoh Parade?
Nyepi Day
The next day is Nyepi, a 24-hour period of complete silence, fasting, and meditation. No lights, no noise, no travel, and even the airport shuts down. Visitors must remain at their accommodations and respect the quiet.
If you would like to stay at a peaceful resort surrounded by rice fields. Check Out Our Nyepi Day Package
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, known in Bali as Lebaran, marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by the island’s Muslim community with special prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals. Though Bali is predominantly Hindu, Lebaran is a public holiday, and many businesses close as people return to their hometowns. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr in Bali is expected to begin on the evening of March 30 and continue on March 31, depending on the moon sighting.
When will the next Ogoh Ogoh / Nyepi Day Be?
Nyepi, known as the Balinese Day of Silence, marks the Balinese New Year and is observed according to the Saka lunar calendar. This results in the date shifting annually within the Gregorian calendar. The Ogoh-Ogoh parades take place on the eve of Nyepi. These events are integral to the rituals leading up to the day of silence.
* Eid al-Fitr dates are approximate and may vary slightly depending on moon sightings.
| Year | Ogoh-Ogoh Parade Date | Nyepi (Day of Silence) Date | Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 28 | March 29 | March 30–31 |
| 2026 | March 18 | March 19 | March 20–21 |
| 2027 | March 7 | March 8 | March 10–11 |
| 2028 | March 25 | March 26 | February 27–28 |
| 2029 | March 14 | March 15 | February 14–15 |
| 2030 | March 4 | March 5 | February 3–4 |
When will the next Ogoh Ogoh / Nyepi Day Be?
Nyepi, known as the Balinese Day of Silence, marks the Balinese New Year and is observed according to the Saka lunar calendar. This results in the date shifting annually within the Gregorian calendar. The Ogoh-Ogoh parades take place on the eve of Nyepi. These events are integral to the rituals leading up to the day of silence.
| Year | Ogoh Ogoh Parade | Nyepi (Day of Silence) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 28 | March 29 |
| 2026 | March 18 | March 19 |
| 2027 | March 7 | March 8 |
| 2028 | March 25 | March 26 |
| 2029 | March 14 | March 15 |
| 2030 | March 4 | March 5 |