Borobudur Prepares for Grand Vesak Celebration

The Buddhist Channel, 21 May 2024

Jogjakarta, Indonesia -- As Vesak approaches, the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java, is gearing up for an influx of thousands of pilgrims, ready to partake in the most significant Buddhist celebration of the year. Maya Watono, a director at InJourney, a state-owned tourism company, has announced that Borobudur has been designated as a premier religious tourism destination.

Vesak, also known as Buddha Day or Waisak in Indonesia, holds profound importance for Buddhists across Asia. This year, Borobudur's week-long celebration, from May 18 to 25, will showcase a blend of religious and cultural activities, transforming the temple into a beacon of spiritual and cultural convergence.

"This will be an extraordinary moment for Buddhists across Indonesia," Maya stated during a press conference at Sarinah Shopping Mall in Central Jakarta. "Borobudur Temple's significance will be elevated from being solely a cultural heritage site to becoming a prominent destination for religious tourism."

The festivities aim to reestablish Borobudur as a central hub for religious activities among Buddhist followers worldwide. Live streaming of the events is planned to reach numerous countries, amplifying the temple's message of religious tolerance and harmony.

"We hope the message from Borobudur Temple will transcend national boundaries, showcasing how the diverse people and cultures in Indonesia can coexist harmoniously," Maya emphasized.

In addition to the spiritual activities, the government is committed to enhancing Borobudur's capacity and supporting facilities. Planned improvements include constructing a museum to bolster its status as the largest Buddhist temple globally.

A highlight of the Vesak celebration is the Bhikku Thudong ritual, where Buddhist monks embark on a spiritual pilgrimage on foot, echoing the footsteps of The Buddha. This year, 40 monks from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia commenced their journey at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta on May 14, aiming to conclude at Borobudur.

“We hope that the pilgrimage, which began at TMII and will culminate at Borobudur Temple, goes well and smoothly, and that the Bhikkhus can carry out their worship with full reverence,” Maya said in a written statement.

Hetty Herawati, InJourney’s director of marketing and business development, added, “We hope the Bhikkhus’ welcoming reception can further highlight the beauty of life in harmony among the diversity of Indonesians.”

A spectacular lantern festival at Borobudur will be another focal point of the celebration. On May 23, a total of 2,568 lanterns will be released in two sessions. The first session will run from 7 PM to 9 PM, and the second from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM Jakarta time. These lanterns, lit by the sacred eternal flame from Mrapen, will illuminate the night sky, symbolizing peace and enlightenment.

As Vesak approaches, the preparations at Borobudur Temple promise a harmonious and spiritually enriching celebration, reflecting the essence of Buddhist teachings and the unity within Indonesia’s cultural mosaic.