A Shared Path to Nyepi: Beraban Village and Nuanu Celebrate 1947 Saka in Unity

25 March 2025 – Bali, Indonesia – Nyepi, Bali’s sacred Day of Silence, is not only a moment for spiritual reflection but also a time for communities to strengthen social and cultural bonds. This year, Nuanu Creative City—through the Nuanu Social Fund—collaborates with Karang Taruna GAPERA to support the creation of Ogoh-Ogoh across 13 Banjars in Desa Beraban. This initiative celebrates, honors, and deepens the connection between the Nuanu community and local residents through the spirit of gotong royong—or ngayah, offering service together.

From early February to the end of March 2025, Nuanu contributed IDR 61,050,000 through Karang Taruna GAPERA to support the Ogoh-Ogoh making process, including materials, documentation, and meals for the community. The highlight of this collaboration will be the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade on the evening before Nyepi, 28 March 2025, at Desa Beraban’s public field—where these remarkable artworks will be showcased, carrying profound spiritual meaning and reflections on life in Bali.

Karang Taruna GAPERA and Nuanu Embrace the Spirit of Ngayah in Ogoh-Ogoh Tradition

Ogoh-Ogoh is an inseparable part of Nyepi, symbolizing Bhuta Kala—negative forces that must be neutralized before entering the Caka New Year to maintain harmony in nature. As part of cultural integration, the Nuanu Social Fund and Karang Taruna GAPERA connect the Nuanu community directly with residents of Desa Beraban, inviting them to participate in the Ogoh-Ogoh creation process. Ngayah sessions are held once or twice a week across several Banjars.

“Balinese culture has a profound influence—even far beyond Bali itself,” said Ida Ayu Astari Prada, Brand & Communications Director at Nuanu. “Through the process of ngayah, we’re not only sharing skills and traditions—we’re building deeper understanding and a sense of shared ownership of this cultural heritage.”

The activities offer participants an immersive experience into Balinese cultural philosophy while strengthening the sense of togetherness between local communities and Nuanu’s global residents. More than an appreciation of tradition, this initiative affirms Nuanu as part of Bali—physically, culturally, and spiritually.

Each Banjar in Desa Beraban creates Ogoh-Ogoh with unique themes representing various aspects of life and Hindu philosophy. Among this year’s standout works is Sakshi Lila Maya by Banjar Batugaing Kaja, portraying a divine figure witnessing the cycles of destruction and rebirth. The theme reflects life’s ever-shifting illusions (maya), reminding people to return to spiritual balance.

“Through Sakshi Lila Maya, we want to illustrate how life continually moves through cycles beyond our control. This Ogoh-Ogoh reminds us not to be trapped in worldly illusions, but to return to our true spiritual values,” said I Made Deny Arsana Putra, Lead Architect of Sakshi Lila Maya and Artist at Nuanu Art Village.

Another highlight is Catur Datu from Banjar Beraban, symbolizing the four essential elements of life—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. This Ogoh-Ogoh serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining balance in nature, especially amid growing environmental challenges.

“We want to emphasize the harmony that must be maintained between humans and nature. With environmental issues becoming more complex, it’s vital for us to understand that living in balance with nature is key to sustainability,” said I Wayan Wira Adiputra, Lead Architect of Catur Datu and Artist at Nuanu Art Village.

Art as a Pathway to Reflection and Cultural Harmony

Nuanu’s active participation in the Nyepi tradition invites the global community to support the preservation of Balinese culture and to understand the philosophies behind these rituals. More than an artistic expression, Ogoh-Ogoh reflects the state of the world, the balance we must protect, and the bridges that can connect diverse communities to learn from one another.

This collaboration demonstrates that cultural differences are not barriers—they are opportunities to build harmony and shared understanding. Through the spirit of gotong royong, traditions can continue to evolve and carry deeper meaning for future generations.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nuanu Creative City