Saturday, 4 January 2014
Waisak Day
A major festival in the Buddhist Calendar, Waisak day celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama. Borobudur is a central meeting point for Buddhists from all over Indonesia, and around the world on this auspicious day held every year, on a full moon in either April or May each year.
Each year one of a series of Buddhist organisations take the lead in the festivities, which include a procession from Mendut temple through to Pawon temple and then Borobudur. Depending on the organiser of the year, the emphasis is slightly different, but it is always colourful and filled with festivity and food
The around 15,000 participants stretch for over a kilometre on the walk to
Borobudur, where they settle before a dias with Borobudur as a backdrop.
Borobudur, where they settle before a dias with Borobudur as a backdrop.
The thousands sit and join together in repeating mantras, is a powerful and humbling experience. Then a meditation begins, with a complete silence. Intense.
This is an extraordinary experience that for visitors
shows the both the strength of Buddhism and the plurality of religions in Indonesia, as this government and community supported celebration flourishes. |  |
| For up to date information for the next celebration contact our Visitor Assistance Centre who can give you advice and help you with any arrangements you may need. |
 | Waisak day is celebrated at many Buddhist Temples, it is also celebrated at Candi Sewu within the Prambanan Temple Compunds. |
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