In 2025, Denpasar will hold the Kasanga Festival again which will take place from March 21 to 23, 2025.
The enthusiasm of the community, especially the younger generation, towards the Kasanga Festival 2025 is even higher than in previous years.
IDR 2.3 Billion Budget
Tribunbali report that, The festival received a budget of Rp 2.3 billion, most of which was allocated for service costs, including art performances such as dance and tabuh at the opening ceremony.
The Head of the Denpasar City Cultural Office, Raka Purwantara, stated that this festival will involve various interesting activities, such as a large ogoh-ogoh parade, mini ogoh-ogoh exhibitions with and without machines, and ogoh-ogoh sketch competitions, all of which will be judged by special judges.
16 Best Ogoh-Ogoh Compete for the Championship
According to Nusabali, “This year we are bringing a new concept that is different from the previous year. We no longer net per sub-district, so we are no longer looking for the best 1, 2, 3 per sub-district, but immediately assess looking for the 16 best ogoh-ogoh in Denpasar,” said Anak Agung Made Angga Hartayana, at his home in Peguyangan, North Denpasar, Wednesday (29/1) afternoon.
The opening of the festival will be carried out by the Mayor of Denpasar in the Catur Muka Denpasar area, followed by an ogoh-ogoh parade involving 16 selected ogoh-ogoh.
These ogoh-ogoh will be exhibited at Puputan Badung Field with roof protection to maintain security. Interestingly, the enthusiasm of the community, especially the younger generation, is getting higher compared to the previous year.
This year, the number of participants who registered has even reached 195 people, much more than last year’s around 160 participants. Stricter selection and an increase in the number of the best ogoh-ogohs who qualified, making this year’s festival more competitive and quality.
The increase of participants is in response to the aspirations of people in Denpasar who wanted more opportunities to compete.
For the assessment, although many ogoh-ogoh use machines, the essence of Balinese art and culture remains the main focus. Mini ogoh-ogoh works will be assessed separately according to their classification.
Denpasar City Government fully supports this festival by providing a creativity fund of Rp 20 million for each group in Denpasar and Rp 30 million for those who qualify for the main round.
On March 20, the ogoh-ogoh who passed will be placed at Puputan Badung Square for transit before the parade on March 21. After the parade, ogoh-ogoh will remain on display until March 23 so that the public can enjoy the artwork.
In addition to competing for the main champion, the committee will also give special awards to the most favorite ogoh-ogoh based on the community’s choice. The announcement of the top 16 ogoh-ogoh who qualified will be made on March 18, 2025.
