Photograph by @JohnStanmeyer In my village of Banjar Tandeg, Ogoh Ogoh’s are paraded along the streets at night in the act of driving evil spirits away on the eve of #Nyepi, the day of silence which also marks the beginning of #Spring, an ancient #Hindu custom practiced for centuries on the island of #Bali, #Indonesia. Personal Notes — Firstly…wishing all my friends back in Bali a wonderful Melasti and an equally joyous start to Nyepi! 7 years ago this evening (and on many a years previous) I would walk literally out the door of our home, Villa Tandeg in Banjar Tandeg, witnessing this spectacular event known as #OgohOgoh, Above is a collection of photographs I made from various Ogoh Ogoh ceremonies during the 5 years (2003-2008) I lived on the island. Having the pleasure to live in a truly local village, my family and I were welcomed deeply into the Balinese Culture, invited often to spiritual and village events. For background details, Ogoh Ogoh’s are made in each local banjar (village) most often by the youth of the village. These massive papier-mache effigies depicting evil spirits are paraded around the banjar in much fanfare, often with entire gamelan orchestras in tow. At the end of the often 2+ hour walk, the Ogoh Ogoh’s in our village were brought to the local cemetery (where all cremations would take place) and burned. All residents, including ourselves, would return home to begin the most unique event I’ve ever experienced — Nyepi, a day of silence where for 24 hours no one can go out of their homes, use electricity, light fires to cook or make noise of any kind. Even the very busy Bali Airport is closed, the only international airport I know that literally shuts down for 24 hours. I loved Nyepi and even today here in the #Berkshires we will turn off our lights at home for a few hours, light candles and sit around the table playing cards or backgammon, quieting down a bit in respect to the rich culture we were so honored to live in and in our interests to slow down, taking note of the most simpler things in life. All my best, @JohnStanmeyer #villatanged #diptych #quadtych #colors #crazycolors #ceremony #night #celebration
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