Sacred Moments and Compassion: Vesak 2025 Across Indonesia

TheIndonesia.co - Thousands of Buddhists gathered under the starry sky at Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, to mark the sacred moment of Vesak 2569 BE/2025. The pinnacle of the ceremony, known as Detik-Detik Waisak, was symbolized by the striking of a gong at precisely 23:55:29 WIB. This solemn ritual commemorates the three major events in the life of Buddha Gautama: his birth, enlightenment, and passing.

According to Antara News Agency, Buddhist monks and devotees chanted sacred paritta and prayers in turns, each representing different religious councils. The 2025 Vesak theme—"Enhancing Self-Control and Wisdom to Realize World Peace"—was declared highly relevant in today’s era of global unrest.

As part of the rituals, blessed water was distributed among devotees, symbolizing humility and offering spiritual refreshment. The ceremony concluded with a pradaksina procession circling the Borobudur complex, drawing the curtain on the Tri Suci Waisak series.

Meanwhile in Surabaya, a different yet equally moving Vesak celebration unfolded. On the final day of the 2025 Vesak Festival, held on May 12th, young Buddhists participated in a deeply emotional act called Bakti Orang Tua—a symbolic foot-washing ceremony honoring their parents. The act, coinciding with International Mother’s Day, was a heartfelt tribute to the care and sacrifices of parents.

“This is a reminder to uphold filial piety and express gratitude,” said Herman Pranata, Chair of the Vesak Festival 2025. Organized by the Young Buddhist Association of Indonesia (YBAI), the festival embraced Buddhist values from the Manggala Sutta, which extols honoring the honorable as life’s highest blessing.

The festival also featured Puja Relic Mahayana ceremonies, wire flower workshops, face painting, music performances, and a family love-themed talk show with Lince Ruslim Wijaya. Over its six-day span, the event brought together student communities from across the country.

Commemorating its 10th anniversary, YBAI also extended solidarity to victims of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28th, underlining that Vesak is not only a spiritual journey but also a call to compassionate action.