Vesak (Buddha Anniversary) | Borobudur
Celebration
This significant traditional festival, celebrated throughout Indonesia, is known as Waisak Day. At Borobudur, thousands of Buddhist monks gather to chant scriptures, meditate, circumambulate the temple, and perform a ceremony called "Pradaksina," a gesture of respect to the temple. The monks also bottle holy water (symbolizing humility) and pass flames (symbolizing light and enlightenment) from one place to another to celebrate this special day. They also participate in the "Pindapata" ceremony, receiving alms from the Indonesian people. Waisak Day has been a national public holiday in Indonesia since 1983.