Kala Kali, Chaotic Times

Note from the Editor: The complex interweaving of traditional cultures on a global stage is very multi-dimensional. It is not something that one individual perspective can encompass. Kala Kali, Chaotic Times is one of three articles discussing Bali’s Ogoh-Ogoh Parade. With that in mind, we are fortunate and grateful to have the knowledge and creativity of many mentors here in Sawidji. During the holy period of Galungan, Kuningan and Nyepi in this year 2024, we welcome the writings of Dr. Mas Ruscitadewi, Joo Peter, and Agung Putra who all provide different perspectives on the complex layers of Bali’s culture.

Ogoh-Ogoh, Kala Kali. Restoring the Balance of Energies

Ogoh-Ogoh, Kala Kali. Kala Kali Time is chaotic Bhuta uncontrollable. Lies by the thousands. The day before the Nyepi holiday, the Balinese Hindu community parades ogoh-ogoh (large dolls/sculptures) in the form of scary creatures which are often referred to as Kala Kali. Kala Kali can be interpreted as a ‘chaotic time’. There is a process, event-by-event, moment-by-moment, that culminates before arriving at a time called “chaos.” The time that is considered the most chaotic is during the sabdyakala (afternoon and evening gatherings) around 6 pm, the day before the Nyepi holiday, which is known as “Pengrupukan” day.

Ngrupuk and Nyepi

This year’s Nyepi holiday is celebrated on March 11 2024 from 6 am to 6 pm or some celebrate it until 6 am March 12 2024. The day before Nyepi which is considered the culmination of the most chaotic time, Balinese ancestors held a ceremony called “Tawur Kesanga” (Payment/offering for the ninth month). The ninth month in the Balinese calendar is also considered a very crucial month with its chaotic energy. That is why, since the sixth month in several villages various offerings have been held which means harmonizing negative energies. The peak of harmonizing efforts is held during “Ngrupuk” by presenting various types of energy, from sound energy, heat (fire), and various shapes and forms (ogoh-ogoh) which are paraded around the village or environment. Various types of sounds, fire, water, and smells are usually present in the house, surround the house and fill the house.

Competitive Spirit Ignites Creativity and Young Communities

The main “pengrupukan” is carried out in the homes of each Balinese family. This is done before going to the banjar, village or sub-district which is accompanied by the procession of various “Ogoh-Ogoh”. A procession accompanied by burning torches and noisy music. The excitement of the “Ogoh-Ogoh” parade has become more lively in the last 10 years since the Ogoh-Ogoh competition began. This also gave birth to various forms, shapes, types and techniques of Ogoh-Ogoh. The Ogoh-Ogoh competitions prompted young Balinese to return to the banjar. They gather to create, imagine and fantasize about creating Kala Kali. So it is not surprising that the forms of creatures that appear are not only mythological creatures of scary giants but also dashing, beautiful creatures with the character of ‘giants’.

Kala Kali.. a Chaotic Time

So it feels legitimate when there is a group of young people who present ogoh-ogoh in the form of Amrozi, the Bali bomber and corrupt officials. Isn’t that also a form of time of chaos for Bali? In a situation of threat of drought, economic pressure, hot political temperatures and global recession felt by the Balinese people, the creation, parade and Ogoh-Ogoh Kala Kali, it’s still exciting. Like the boisterous Koplo music, laughter and the clinking of liquor bottles clinking on the banjars. Yes, Kala Kali, a chaotic time, has ravaged, frozen the flow of blood, and stored anger, in festering wounds. After all is spilled, there is a more beautiful tomorrow. When everything returns to silence. Nyepi feels her heart beating endlessly.