There are often surprising powers which propel us toward special directions in our life. It is like an unknown force gives us a nudge. The Island of Bali is such a serendipitous destination. In 1995 after over a year of brutal treatments for cancer (multiple surgeries, an experimental stemcell transfer, radiation, and a terrible cocktail of high-dose chemo), Marla was given the green light to travel internationally and she chose…Bali. This was the beginning of a long love affair personally and for our business. In May we returned for our 27th visit with our daughter Lisa and husband Ray. And by a stroke of luck we were able to return during Nyepi, the Balinese New Year.

Our resort wasn’t able to provide transport into Ubud, the town where we and many foreigners have watched the Ogoh-Ogoh parade on past trips. We must have displayed our disappointment so the front desk said they could take us to the nearby little village of Bresela to see the village parade there. We really didn’t expect much… but we had an experience of a lifetime! Serendipity in action!

My video will give you a good taste of the excitement of the many villagers who gathered for their Ogoh-Ogoh parade.

The scary statue on the right, the Ogoh-Ogoh, is usually made of paper maché and placed on a bamboo frame serving as the base. The young people of a “banjar” (local community) create these oversized statues in the likeness of demons, evil spirits, and other fantastical figures from Hindu mythology. Some statues are in reference to more current issues and might resemble real people known for cruelty, greed or injustice. As a symbol of all the bad things that might happen in life, the ogoh ogohs are burnt afterwards to make room for the good energy that can bring humanity peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

The excitement intensifies.

A very scary Ogoh-Ogoh.

It is an honor to ride at the foot of the Ogoh-Ogoh.

The sound of the gongs and drums is hypnotizing.

The sounds and the excitement intensify.

More Ogoh-Ogoh’s come into view.

Many of the statues are so tall, it necessitates pushing up overhead wires.

I would be a little afraid as well!

Drummers and gong carriers pass by.

Everyone seems happy and totally excited!

The parade passes us.

Young girls carry torches.

A very special moment in this boys life.

It takes many people to carry the Ogoh-Ogoh

The sounds help create a sense of excitement.

Marla, Ray, and Lisa,and I Ioved the privilege of this unique moment as few foreigners were seen in this village..

We ran into one of our resort guides as this is his village.

A gigantic Ogoh-Ogoh is carried up the hill.

We all felt this was one of the most unique and unusual events in our entire life! The little hamlet of Bresela should be very proud of their incredible Ooh-Ogoh parade! What a fabulous evening! Tomorrow will be the day of “Silence.”

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.