Vesak, also known as Waisak, is a significant holiday celebrated in Indonesia and many other predominantly Buddhist countries. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Vesak is observed on the full moon in the lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May or early June. Indonesia, being the home of Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, attracts devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the globe during this time.
Indonesia is known for its extravagant and unique observances of Vesak. The celebration encompasses a range of activities highlighting its central theme — the life and teachings of Buddha. The festival commences with prayers and meditation. The followers also partake in charitable acts, such as giving alms to the poor, as a form of embodying Buddha's teachings on empathy and compassion. But the highlight of the Indonesian Vesak is the majestic procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, involving thousands of monks and pilgrims led by the symbolic holy flame and a beautifully adorned flower carriage.
The festival culminates in a breathtaking spectacle of releasing lanterns into the night sky, symbolizing enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness or ignorance. Vesak in Indonesia is thus not just a religious festival, but also a spectacular event that invites international attention. Despite it being a Buddhist festival, people from different religious backgrounds in Indonesia also engage in celebrations marking appreciation for the country's cultural and religious diversity. Vesak serves as a beacon of unity, peace, and enlightenment, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of Indonesia.