Vesak Pilgrimage: Discovering the Sacred Spirit of Plural Indonesia

TheIndonesia.co - As twilight descended on Central Java, a sea of candlelight began to move gently through the night. Thousands of Buddhist devotees and monks walked in quiet reverence from Mendut Temple to the grand stupa of Borobudur, marking the sacred moment of Vesak 2569 BE. At exactly 23:25:29 WIB on May 12th, 2025, the Vesak moment was observed—symbolizing the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Carried in the procession were two sacred elements: the eternal flame of Dharma from Mrapen in Grobogan and blessed water from Umbul Jumprit in Temanggung. These symbols, previously enshrined at Mendut, reminded participants of life’s purity and impermanence. As they moved in silence, the procession became more than a ritual—it became a meditation in motion.

According to Antara News Agency, Supriyadi, Director General of Buddhist Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, emphasized that this was not a parade. “It is a spiritual journey,” he said, “a walk guided by mindfulness, by the Dhamma, and by respect for the Sangha. Walk not just with your feet, but with your awareness.”

Such a profound journey doesn’t end at Borobudur. It continues into the spirit of Indonesia’s broader cultural vision. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who observed the ceremonies and inspected the preparations, underlined the government's commitment to elevate Borobudur beyond heritage—to recognize it as a global center of Buddhist pilgrimage, culture, and spiritual learning.

“This is not only about preserving history,” he explained, “but about creating real benefits for today’s communities and future generations.” He called for collaboration across all sectors—national and local, public and private—to build a resilient ecosystem where spiritual travel and cultural heritage uplift the nation together.

The spirit of Vesak is not bound to one location. In the western city of Singkawang, West Kalimantan, the Festival Pemandian Rupang Buddha offered another powerful reflection of Indonesia’s living spirituality. Locals and visitors gathered at Bagua Point to bathe the statue of the Buddha in a symbolic ritual of purification and renewal.

Led by monks, the ceremony began with prayers and ended with joy, as water poured over the sacred image representing the birth of the Buddha. Singkawang’s mayor, Tjhai Chui Mie, praised the atmosphere of harmony, noting that the festival represents more than devotion—it is a celebration of pluralism and interfaith unity. “It reflects who we are,” she said. “A society rooted in compassion, where difference is not division but richness.”

Back in Central Java, tens of thousands were expected to gather at Borobudur for Vesak. Last year saw over 37,000 visitors, and this year’s event expanded its reach with a hybrid format—both in person and live-streamed globally through WALUBI’s official YouTube channel. The Ministry of Culture also continues to enhance the Borobudur experience through plans to further develop the Borobudur Museum, including showcasing the temple’s legendary reliefs and ancient musical instruments as part of a more immersive cultural journey.

Across these regions—Magelang to Singkawang—Vesak reveals itself not just as a holiday, but as a national story of renewal, of harmony, and of spiritual travel. It’s an invitation to the world to experience Indonesia not just as a beautiful archipelago, but as a place where meaning and movement come together. Where one can walk ancient paths and feel both grounded and elevated. Where pilgrimage is a gateway to pluralism, and where the sacred is alive in every step, every offering, every moment of quiet joy.

In this vision, Vesak becomes more than commemoration—it becomes a journey. A journey into self, into culture, into connection. And for those seeking deeper travel, Indonesia opens its temples, waters, and hearts—welcoming all to discover that this diverse nation is not only a destination, but a living, breathing path to peace.