Vesak 2025: Borobudur Temple to Host Thousands of Devotees with Spiritual Celebrations

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -  Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia, is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees for the celebration of Vesak Day 2569 BE.

The event, set to take place on 12 May 2025, will be attended by Buddhists from around the world.

Maya Watono, President Director of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney, emphasized that Vesak is more than a spiritual observance. She highlighted its role in boosting the local economy, particularly in priority destinations like Borobudur.

"Thus, Borobudur Temple could become a sustainable tourism through the implementation of activities focused on spiritual matters," said Maya Watono in Jakarta on Monday, 5 May 2025.

The Vesak 2025 celebration at Borobudur Temple will run from 4 to 12 May 2025. A key highlight will be the release of 2,569 lanterns, symbolizing the light of peace. This lantern release often draws large crowds to the temple.

34 Thudong Monks on a Spiritual Journey

This year’s Vesak celebration will include the arrival of 34 Thudong monks from countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, the United States, and Malaysia.

These monks began their pilgrimage on 6 February 2025 in Thailand and have traveled more than 2,600 kilometers through various Southeast Asian countries. They are expected to reach Borobudur on 10 May.

Maya noted that the event embodies the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, allowing people from all walks of life to participate.

Dress Code and Spiritual Observance

The Vesak moment falls on Monday, 12 May at 23:55:29 WIB, and will conclude with a pradaksina, a ritual of walking around the temple three times. Participants are required to wear modest, all-white attire. Clothing such as shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, or transparent garments is not permitted.

"The Waisak 2569 BE celebration will also be enlivened with social activities such as free health services, minor surgery, dental operations, and the distribution of reading glasses for the local community around Borobudur," said Maya.

Febrina Intan, Director of InJourney Destination Management (IDM), mentioned that several side events are planned to enhance visitors' spiritual experience by connecting them to deeper values.

A series of events called Unveiling Borobudur invites guests to join a 3-day, 2-night program designed to foster harmony in family relationships through balance and mindfulness. Visitors will be guided in reflection to better internalize values such as compassion, understanding, patience, and wisdom.

In addition, IDM is organizing Pasar Medang, a marketplace featuring 60 small and medium enterprises (UMKM) at the former main gate area of Plaza Beringin.

"Visitors will not only experience various traditional snacks, traditional drinks, and new creations, but also various attractions and workshops," she said.

It is noted that this year, more than 1,900 local UMKM entrepreneurs actively participated in the Vesak celebration series, from culinary, crafts, to tourism service providers. In addition, more than a thousand local workers were also involved, both in logistics, hospitality, service, and event management. The Vesak celebration is expected to drive occupancy rates in the Borobudur area.

Antara contributed to the writing of this article.

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