Hari Raya Waisak di Candi Borobudur

Name: Hari Raya Waisak di Candi Borobudur
Start: 2025-05-03
End: 2025-05-05
Location: Borobudur

A Festival of Prayer and Lanterns Illuminating the Night Sky

2026/05/14 - 2026/05/16

Every year on the night of the full moon in May, Indonesia’s iconic Buddhist temple Borobudur becomes the stage for Hari Raya Waisak—a festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Over three days, tens of thousands of monks, devotees, and travelers from around the world gather at this UNESCO World Heritage site to meditate, pray, and experience the magical lantern release. For spiritual seekers, history lovers, and travelers alike, this is a moving encounter where ancient ritual and living faith meet.

Picture saffron-robed monks in procession, the sound of chanting and temple bells, the scent of incense on the tropical breeze, and the cool touch of stone at dawn. As evening falls, vegetarian dishes and fruit, and the gentle glow of thousands of lanterns, create a sacred and dreamlike atmosphere.

Main Attractions

Lantern Release and Night Procession

The climax of the festival is the mass lantern release. In the darkness, lanterns lit with wishes are released above the ancient stupas, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to wisdom.

Water Blessing and Sacred Procession

The festival begins with a water blessing at Mendut Temple. The holy water is carried in a procession to Borobudur, with monks and devotees walking barefoot, chanting and carrying lotuses, banners, and candles. The processions, both day and night, are moving tapestries of prayer and color.

Meditation, Chanting, and Offerings

Throughout the festival, the temple grounds resound with mantras, bells, and gongs. The sight of thousands meditating together is breathtaking. Devotees offer fruit, flowers, and incense at the foot of the stupa, praying for the happiness of all beings under the guidance of monks.

Costumes and Decorations

Monks wear saffron or maroon robes, while devotees dress in pure white. The temple is adorned with lotus flowers, colorful banners, countless candles and lanterns. The feel of prayer beads, stone pavements, and banners fluttering in the evening breeze leave a vivid sensory impression.

Cultural and Historical Background

Vesak at Borobudur is rooted in the traditions of ancient Buddhist kingdoms of Java. The festival, held at the full moon in May, celebrates the three major events in the Buddha’s life. Borobudur, built in the 9th century, is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a symbol of Indonesia’s spiritual heritage. Revived as a national celebration in the 20th century, it now draws Buddhists and visitors from across Indonesia and around the world.

For Indonesian Buddhists, Vesak is the holiest day of the year—a time for purification, compassion, and community. It is a living heritage that reaffirms the bonds of peace and coexistence, and shares these values with the world.

Participant Voices

“For me, Vesak is a festival of hope. Every year, I write my wish on a lantern and release it into the sky, believing that light and kindness will spread throughout the world.”

Fun Facts

Over 20,000 lanterns are released into the night sky each year.
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, with over 2,600 relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues.
In Indonesia, Vesak is also called “Trisuci Waisak” (the Three Holy Events).
The water used in the blessing ceremony is drawn from springs at both Mendut and Pawon temples.

Festival Dates

Hari Raya Waisak at Borobudur is held every May to June at Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon temples in Central Java. Experience the lantern release, processions, meditation, and prayers in this sacred space for yourself.