Floating Buddha Statue Kicks Off Vesak Festival in Surabaya

TheIndonesia.co - A stunning 8.34-meter floating Buddha statue has taken center stage at Tunjungan Plaza 3 in Surabaya, marking the opening of the Vesak Festival 2025. Officially recognized as the largest of its kind in Indonesia by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI), the statue has quickly become the main attraction.

According to Antara News Agency, this statue is designed by a Balinese artist, the sculpture shows the Buddha floating with his mother, Queen Mahamaya. The installation is rich with meaning—it represents compassion, spiritual awakening, and the idea of rising above worldly attachments.

“The floating Buddha reflects the soul’s release from material things, which is a core teaching in Buddhism,” said Herman Pranata, Chair of the Festival Committee.

What Is Vesak Day, and Why Does It Matter?

Vesak Day, or Waisak in Indonesia, is the most sacred day in Buddhism. It marks three key events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing—all believed to have happened on the same full moon in May.

It’s a time to pause, reflect, and show compassion. People make offerings, meditate, join prayers, and do good deeds. This year’s theme, “Light of Compassion: Guiding the Next Generation,” highlights how timeless Buddhist values can inspire the younger generation.

And this year is extra special—Surabaya is celebrating 10 years of hosting the Vesak Festival.

Five Days of Culture, Faith, and Community

The Vesak Festival runs for five full days, with a lineup that blends tradition and creativity. Visitors can enjoy:

• Cultural performances
• Workshops
• Art displays
• Religious rituals, like Pindapata (monastic almsgiving), puja (offering to relics), and Sanghadana (donations to monks)

The rituals are joined by 48 Buddhist monks from four major sanghas in Southeast Asia, bringing a truly regional spirit to the event.

More than 30 Buddhist student groups from universities across Indonesia are also taking part, thanks to the work of the Young Buddhist Association of Indonesia (YBAI).

Giving Back, Near and Far

Staying true to the festival’s message of compassion, YBAI is also raising funds to help rebuild Buddhist temples and schools in Myanmar affected by a major earthquake in March 2025. The donations will be channeled through the International Buddhist Education Center (IBEC).

The Main Moment: May 12th, Under the Full Moon

The most sacred part of Vesak will take place at 11:55 PM on May 12th, when the full moon is at its brightest. It’s believed that this is the exact moment the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed into nirvana—making it a deeply spiritual time for reflection and prayer.

Supriyadi, Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, praised YBAI for consistently bringing a message of peace into public spaces.

“We hope this festival brings blessings to everyone,” he said.

Next Stop: Jakarta

Can’t make it to Surabaya? Don’t worry—Vesak Festival 2025 will also be held at Mal Taman Anggrek in Jakarta from May 15th to 18th.

Whether you’re Buddhist or simply curious, Vesak is a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, your community, and the values that truly matter.