A soulful and accomplished dancer, I Putu Candra Pradhita, never allowed his passion for the dance to overshadow his love for the art of ogoh-ogoh. Instead, he blended the two. The nuances of dance and dramaturgy gracefully permeate his ogoh-ogoh creations. This ogoh-ogoh depicts Srikandi, an important transgender male character in the Mahabhata epic. Srikandi was born as Princess Amba, but she was rejected by three different suitors, which led her to curse them all. After her death, Amba was reborn as Srikandi, a skilled warrior who vowed to avenge herself.

At the Kurukshetra War, Srikandi faced Bhishma, one of the greatest warriors of his time. Bhishma was unable to attack Srikandi because he had taken a vow not to harm women. Srikandi used this to her advantage and defeated Bhishma, ending his life.

Srikandi's story is a reminder that all people, regardless of gender, are capable of great things. It is also a reminder that we should never judge someone based on their appearance or identity.

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Ida Bagus Nyoman Surya Wigenam, affectionately known as Gusman Surya, hails from Banjar Kelodan Tampaksiring, Gianyar, and is synonymous with ogoh-ogoh artistry. Self-taught, his artistic journey began in his youth, influenced by fellow craftsmen from Tampaksiring, including his cousin Gus Kembar, brother Gus Kadek, and senior artists like Gus Ceng. Gusman's ambition extends beyond personal acclaim; he aims to nurture and guide the youth in his community, ensuring the continuity of the art form he loves. He deeply values the emotional investment and 'taksu’ , a divine spirit, in creating ogoh-ogoh, recognizing their irreplaceable role in preserving Balinese culture. 

In Bali, the birth of a child combines ceremony and spiritual care, deeply rooted in the island's traditions. The Ngewacak Raré ritual, stemming from Tenung Pewacakan Raré, protects young children until they undergo their traditional rites of passage. Until then, they are under the watchful eye of Sanghyang Kumara, the guardian of purity. Balinese folklore introduces unseen siblings, such as Babu Jenggi and Babu Pangguh, who accompany newborns on their journey. To maintain harmony, offerings to these spiritual siblings are vital. Ngewacak Raré exemplifies the Balinese commitment to balance and nurturing both the seen and unseen aspects of life, ensuring tranquility.

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Hailing from Singaraja, Wayan Buda Mahardika, known as Buda, is a renowned ogoh-ogoh artist. His journey from a painter to a tapel ogoh-ogoh craftsman marked a significant transformation. Collaborations with Ritual Art and Sigrut Artwork yielded awards like second place in the 2019 Mini Ogoh-Ogoh competition. His creative partner, Putu Willy Suryana, or Pepi, brings their ideas to life through digital art. Together, they've earned numerous accolades and focus on eco-friendly materials.

Switching gears, the epic Mahesasura Pralaya, set in the Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana, narrates a clash between Subali and the ogre-king Mahesasura. It's a tale of divine intervention, misunderstanding, and eventual forgiveness, with Subali receiving the gift of immortality from Bhatara Guru.

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In Jimbaran's urban expanse, I Wayan Arif Masriadi excels in ogoh-ogoh artistry, nurturing his talent from an early age. What began as sketches in a humble sketchbook transformed into a passion, leading him to create grand spectacles for his community. He believes that art, rich in emotion, defies simple quantification. For him, art holds immeasurable value, with the ability to captivate those unfamiliar with its intricacies. Masriadi emphasizes the importance of respecting art's ethical standards, regardless of individual viewpoints.

Within Hindu cosmology, the feminine complements the masculine divine, represented by the Tridevi: Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Sarasvati symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, and creativity, bridging celestial wisdom with earthly beauty, offering a voice to ideas in the cosmic expanse.

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In the heart of Singapadu, Gianyar, a captivating tale of tradition and innovation unfolds through the skilled hands of a father-son duo: I Made Sugiantara and I Wayan Ponco Maryuda. Their artistic heritage stretches back to Wayan Pugeg, Ponco's grandfather, a master sculptor and the pioneer of ogoh-ogoh creation in their region. The family's legacy encompasses a wide range of sculptures, from traditional to modern surrealist works, including their unique "robotic ogoh-ogoh" pieces. Their collaboration isn't just a tribute to the past; it's a lively dance between tradition and modernity, a generational conversation where the wisdom of the old gently guides the exuberance of the new.

The ogoh-ogoh story is about Vishnu, Brahma, and Sang Boma. Sang Boma is the central figure of the ogoh-ogoh, he is often called the "Child of the Earth" because he was born from the union of Vishnu and the earth goddess. Sang Boma is a powerful and destructive figure. He is said to be the embodiment of Shiva's anger. Sang Boma is often depicted as a giant with a fiery temper. He is also said to have the ability to control the forces of nature. The story of Sang Boma is a reminder that even the gods can be destructive. It is also a reminder that the balance between creation and destruction is essential to the universe.

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In the fervent creative industry of Bali, where tradition and innovation intertwine, two master artists - Komang Gede Sentana Putra and Ida Bagus Nyoman Surya Wigenam fuse their genius into collaborative marvel. The pinnacle of their collaboration stands tall at the Saka Museum, the tallest ogoh-ogoh in Bali. This one and only gigantic artwork is not just the epitome of their shared artistic vision but also a symbol of their mutual respect, understanding, and willingness to transcend personal boundaries for the sake of art, culture, and collective zest.

The ogoh-ogoh tells the story of King Ravana , the main antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is a powerful and intelligent demon king who is known for his powerful voice and his devotion to Lord Shiva. Ravana's flying chariot, Wilmana, is a powerful weapon that he uses in his battle against Prince Rama. Despite King Ravana's power and resources, he is ultimately defeated by Prince Rama, who represents good and righteousness. The tale is a reminder that good will always triumph over evil, even in the darkest of times.

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