Pilgrimage of Light: Vesak in Indonesia's Sacred Sites

TheIndonesia.co - Each year, Indonesia becomes a luminous beacon of devotion as the country marks Vesak, one of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Southeast Asia. While celebrated across the archipelago, the spiritual heart of the event beats strongest at Borobudur Temple—a 9th-century marvel in Central Java and one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments.

The 2025 Vesak celebration, commemorating the 2569th year in the Buddhist calendar, saw thousands gather not only in Borobudur but in many corners of the country, all united in the shared pursuit of peace, reflection, and compassion.

The Long Journey of the Bhikkhu Thudong

According to Antara News Agency, among the most stirring symbols of devotion is the Bhikkhu Thudong—a traditional pilgrimage in which Buddhist monks from Thailand and beyond journey thousands of kilometers on foot to reach Borobudur. Their final steps are met with reverence and ceremony as they ascend the temple for pradaksina, a ritual circumambulation of the central stupa.

“These monks walk across nations, reminding us that Borobudur is not just an Indonesian heritage, but a sacred site of global spiritual significance,” said Irene Umar, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for the Creative Economy, who welcomed the monks with ceremonial tuberose flowers.

The Sacred Waters of Jumprit

One of the key rituals preceding Vesak at Borobudur is the collection of sacred water from Umbul Jumprit, a revered spring in Temanggung, Central Java. This water, symbolizing purity and life, is drawn and sealed in 22 earthenware jars by monks from various Buddhist councils. It is later enshrined at Mendut Temple before being carried to Borobudur alongside the eternal flame from Mrapen, Grobogan.

“The sacred water represents clarity of mind and humility,” said Tanto Harsono, Vice Chair of the National Vesak Committee. “Its meaning is especially powerful in this year’s theme: ‘Enhance self-control and wisdom to create world peace.’”

Nationwide Celebrations from Batam to Borneo

In Batam, the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya temple celebrated Vesak with a mix of solemn rituals and community festivities. A large vegetarian food bazaar featuring 40 stalls with Indonesian and Singaporean chefs attracted thousands of visitors, offering a flavorful bridge between spirituality and everyday life.

In Surabaya, the Vesak Festival 2025 at Tunjungan Plaza held a vibrant Sanghadana ceremony, where over 700 million rupiah was raised to support the Sangha, including communities affected by recent natural disasters in Myanmar. Symbolic robe offerings and blessings brought warmth and unity to participants.

Meanwhile, in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, a stunning 12-meter miniature of the Mahabodhi Temple—the sacred site in Bodh Gaya, India—was unveiled as the tallest of its kind in Indonesia. The installation earned recognition from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) and provided a contemplative space for reflection, cultural appreciation, and interfaith harmony.

“We wanted to bring the essence of Bodh Gaya to Kalimantan, not to copy it, but to honor it,” said Thio Nofitarina, Chair of Wonderful Vesak 2025. “Let this be a space where values of kindness, tolerance, and peace grow publicly.”

How to Join the Pilgrimage

To experience Vesak at Borobudur, travelers can fly into Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) or Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang. From there, the journey to Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java, takes around 1.5–2.5 hours by road. Pilgrims often arrive days before the full moon to witness the rituals at Mendut Temple and join the lantern release, an awe-inspiring moment of collective meditation and hope.

For a quieter spiritual encounter, visiting Umbul Jumprit in Temanggung offers serenity and a deep sense of sacred tradition.

Vesak in Indonesia is more than a religious observance—it’s a journey of light, unity, and compassion woven through sacred landscapes. Whether you walk with the monks or simply bear witness, you’ll carry home a part of its peace.