2024-05-13 07:49:56
Thousands of lanterns are released by Buddhists in the grounds of Borobudur Temple. Photo Yessy Artada/jpnn.com
jpnn.comJAKARTA – The 2024 Borobudur Lantern Festival will be held at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, on May 23 2024.
The release of these lanterns is one of the events in a series of Vesak celebrations which emphasizes sacredness, devotion and enjoyment in praying together.
“Before flying the lanterns, Buddhists meditate first, releasing these lanterns becomes a ritual and symbol of lighting the light of peace within each person. “Then, releasing the lanterns is a sign that peace and goodness will be spread to the world,” said the Chair of the 2024 Vesak Lanterns, Fatmawati.
Fatmawati also said that the 2,568 lanterns provided had sold out in just a short time due to the extraordinary public interest.
“We really appreciate the enthusiasm of the people who want to experience Buddhist rituals in carrying out their worship, but due to limited space and we also have to maintain the sacredness of the congregation’s worship, we are with a heavy heart limiting the solemnity of the Vesak commemoration procession, especially this year the time is very short considering the seconds- “Wesak will fall at night,” explained Fatmawati.
Deputy Chair of the National Vesak Committee, YN Bhikku Dhammavudo Tera, said that every Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple leaves a deep impression and is always full of meaning.
“Bhante also has the Indonesian Vihara in Bodh Gaya, India, the place where Prince Siddhara achieved perfect enlightenment to become the Buddha. “Even so, Bhante still chose Borobudur Temple as a Vesak commemoration because Borobudur Temple is much grander, neater, more majestic and more beautiful,” he exclaimed.
He also felt happy that many people were enthusiastic about welcoming the Vesak celebration.
The 2,568 lanterns provided were sold out in just a short time due to the extraordinary public interest.