Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The vibrant Ogoh-Ogoh parade at Lapangan Rampal (Rampal Field) in Malang City has added festive energy to the observance of Nyepi, the Hindu New Year Saka 1948. Malang Mayor Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat MM described the event as a powerful symbol of religious tolerance during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mayor Wahyu Hidayat emphasized that Ramadan and Nyepi should serve as moments to strengthen interfaith harmony. Both traditions teach self-control, discipline, restraint of desires, and avoidance of negative actions.
“This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate religious tolerance. The core values taught in Nyepi and Ramadan are essentially the same: self-control and the fight against negative influences,” Wahyu stated on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
He praised the Ogoh-Ogoh parade not only as a religious tradition but also as a valuable part of Malang’s cultural heritage that residents eagerly anticipate each year.
“We are opening space for this activity to continue growing as a cultural agenda. The high enthusiasm from the community shows that this tradition has become an integral part of life for Malang residents,” he added.
Wahyu further noted that through the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) and the Interfaith Youth Forum (FKAUB), all parties are encouraged to maintain a conducive atmosphere during both Nyepi and Eid al-Fitri celebrations. Mutual respect will make Malang an even safer and more comfortable city.
Separately, Chairman of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Malang Chapter, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. I Made Wartana, explained that the Nyepi celebrations began several days earlier with the Jalanidhi Puja purification ceremony at Balekambang Beach — a symbol of cleansing the self and the universe.
“Today we are conducting the Tawur Agung Kesanga ritual as a form of harmonizing the universe and the human self. It also symbolizes paying back what we have enjoyed from nature,” he said.
The Ogoh-Ogoh effigies paraded during the kirab represent negative energies or Bhuta Kala, which are then neutralized. After the procession, the figures are burned as a symbol of purification from bad traits.
“Ogoh-ogoh are believed to absorb negative energy. Once paraded and then destroyed, the community can welcome Nyepi in a state of purity and peace,” Wartana explained.
At the peak of Nyepi, Hindus observe the Catur Brata Penyepian (Four Restraints) for 24 hours: no lighting fires (Amati Geni), no traveling (Amati Lelungan), no entertainment (Amati Lelanguan), and no work (Amati Karya).
“The proximity of Nyepi to Eid al-Fitri is hoped to further strengthen interfaith harmony. We all live on the same earth, so let us respect one another and maintain harmony,” he concluded. (bas/rhd)
