Pengerupukan is an important ritual performed by Balinese Hindus before Nyepi Day. On this day, Balinese people perform a series of ceremonies and traditions to cleanse the environment of bad influences and welcome the new year with a clean mind and heart.

Meaning and Purpose of Pengerupukan

Etymologically, Pengerupukan comes from the word ‘kerupuk’ which means to destroy or annihilate. Philosophically, pengerupukan aims to repel Bhuta Kala, which are evil spirits or negative energy that can interfere with human life.

The series of Pengerupukan Traditions

Mecaru: This ceremony is conducted at the household, banjar, and traditional village levels. The aim is to balance the negative and positive energies in the neighbourhood.
Ogoh-ogoh Parade: Ogoh-ogoh is a giant doll depicting Bhuta Kala. It is paraded around the village as a symbol of expelling negative energy.
Burning of Ogoh-ogoh: After being paraded, the ogoh-ogoh will be burnt. This process symbolises the destruction of Bhuta Kala and all his bad influences.

Ogoh-ogoh Parade: The Highlight of Pengerupukan

The ogoh-ogoh parade is the main attraction of the Pengerupukan Day celebrations. Balinese people, especially youngsters, enthusiastically make creative and unique ogoh-ogoh. The parade is an opportunity for people to showcase their creativity and participation in preserving traditions.

The Pengerupukan celebration is not just a tradition, but also a way for Balinese people to honour their traditions.