IndoNEWSian.com – One of the foremost Buddhist holy days, the Vesak observance at the grand Borobudur Temple has evolved into a festival celebrated across different beliefs. It honors Indonesia’s rich tapestry of religions through the universal message of Buddha’s teachings.
Organized by Indonesia’s state-run firm InJourney and the Indonesian Buddhist Organization Federation, Walubi, this event named “#WaisakdiBorobudur2025” or “Vesak at Borobudur 2025,” took place on May 12. We were honored with an invitation to participate and delve into the profound spirituality of Vesak Day.
Vesak Day, referred to as Visakha Bucha Day in Thailand, celebrates three significant events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. These occurrences are traditionally thought to have taken place on the full moon of the sixth month according to the Buddhist lunar calendar. This day serves as an opportunity for reflection upon the Buddha’s life and lessons. Historically recognized primarily among Buddhist groups, Vesak achieved worldwide acknowledgment in 1999 when the UN adopted Resolution 54/115, declaring it an internationally observed day.
Though a Muslim-majority country, Indonesia proudly upholds the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — “Unity In Diversity” — in Bahasa. This phrase reflects the nation”s rich cultural and religious tapestry, and the strength Indonesians find in embracing those differences as one people.
This principle is central to Vesak Day — referred to locally as Waisak — and since Borobudur is among the biggest Buddhist temples globally, it serves as a symbol of interfaith unity. The 2025 observance revolved around the theme “Illuminated Together,” featuring an array of inclusive and spiritually meaningful events.
Borobudur, Indonesia, and coexistence in faith
Even though it is a Buddhist temple, Febrina Intan, the director of the Borobudur Tourist Park (Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur – TWCB), mentioned that 90% of Borobudur’s custodians are Muslims. They see this place not as belonging to just one faith, but rather as a cultural treasure shared by all Indonesians.
On May 10 at 4:30 PM, a contingent of 36 Thai monks reached Borobudur Temple following their completion of a thudong – a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage undertaken on foot – which began at Sanam Luang in Bangkok and concluded at Borobudur, Indonesia, as part of Vesak Day celebrations for this year.
This thudong was part of the International Thudong 2025 program, which has been running for four consecutive years now. Monks participated by walking from Bangkok through Malaysia and Singapore, eventually reaching Indonesia. The pilgrimage started on February 6th and ended on May 10th this year.
Febrina clarified that unlike the notion of monks staying exclusively within temples, these particular monks were welcomed to find respite in Islamic mosques, Christian churches, as well as viharas (Buddhist monastic complexes) during their travels.
“As evident from their journey, Indonesians welcomed them with remarkable kindness. Alongside this, they found hospitality in mosques, rested in churches, and dined in viharas. The narrative we aim to share highlights ‘Unity In Diversity’ as genuinely reflected within Indonesia,” she concluded.
Phra Kru Wichai, aged 53, a monk from Wat Khaophisueathongkham in Phetchabun, expressed deep emotion upon his arrival, praising the diversity and unity found within Indonesian society.
“The day the new pope was selected, we were approached by a pastor as we journeyed to Borobudur, where we discussed how Christianity and Buddhism might collaborate to foster societal harmony — drawing from their divine guidance and our spiritual leader’s teachings,” he mentioned.
Following the interview, as he made his way to a local temple to relax, a man abruptly shouted “Bhikkhu! Bhikkhu!” and knelt down to pay respects at Phra Kru Wichai’s feet. According to reports, this individual was identified as a Muslim adhering to Islam who had been participating in a Buddhist pilgrimage for two years and consistently supporting the monks throughout their journey.
In the meantime, Phra Kru Aggadipo Andri Budianto from Indonesia, who couldn’t join the thudong because of previous injuries, shared with reporters that the whole support crew for the pilgrimage to Borobudur Temple consisted of Muslims — an indication, as he put it, of how various faiths can live together peacefully in Indonesia.
Vesak Celebration
In accordance with InJourney, the Vesak celebrations this year drew more than 100,000 attendees from May 1st through May 13th. This number encompasses regular travelers, individuals practicing Buddhism, as well as those who contributed to organizing the festivities.
On May 12, during the height of the Vesak celebrations, the maximum number of attendees reached 45,914 people, encompassing devotees, travelers, and staff involved in organizing the events. This marked an uptick of around 25%, from about 36,000 visitors who came for last year’s Vesak festivities at this same time.
The event was graced by prominent figures from different religions along with representatives from the diplomatic community.
For entry into the event on May 12, attendees needed to buy a ticket. The gathering took place in two time slots: from 6 pm to 8 pm and from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Febrina mentioned that as soon as the tickets were made available, they sold out in just under nine minutes. In response to this high demand, event organizers issued an extra 500 tickets specifically for people attending the Vesak ceremony, whereas her organization put another 3,000 tickets up for individuals interested solely in observing the festival.
The primary attraction of the event was the Vesak ceremony, during which attendees could participate in chanting Buddhist prayers for good fortune. Those who did not follow Buddhism were encouraged to join; they might opt out as a sign of respecting their personal faiths or decide to recite the chants if they preferred.
After the prayers concluded, the participants ignited their candles for meditation purposes and participated in another session of chanting. The monks subsequently moved around the area, splashing holy water as a blessing upon everyone present. Following this, those involved assembled into clusters of six individuals each, at which point organizers handed out lanterns to be set aloft into the air.
Altogether, 2,569 lanterns — symbolizing the current year according to the Buddhist calendar — were lit up and set free into the evening sky from two locations within the Borobudur Temple grounds: Marga Utama and Taman Lumbini.
The lantern theme this year, titled “Light Of Peace,” encapsulated a collective desire for worldwide unity and clarity. Letting these lanterns soar represented not only lighting one’s way but also releasing individual hardships—aligning perfectly with Buddhist tenets of awareness and kindness.
Moreover, the adoption of biodegradable materials underscored the festival’s commitment to environmental stewardship, echoing its central theme of peace and reverence for nature. Attracting attendees from near and far, this gathering mirrored a widespread desire for tranquility and inner fulfillment.
A significant feature of this year’s Vesak festivities included a synchronized drone display with 450 UAVs depicting key moments from the Buddha’s life, complemented by an audio narrative explaining his teachings and experiences.
Visitors had the option to explore Pesar Medang — a bustling market where they could enjoy local cuisine, beverages, as well as take part in cultural activities and shows designed to enhance their experience with entertainment and insight.
For booking tickets to attend the Vesak Celebration next year on May 31, go to waisakborobudur.com. The cost remains consistent for all visitors regardless of age, nationality, or citizenship status.
