Jakarta. Buddhists in Indonesia marked Vesak Day with serene and harmonious celebrations in the world's most populous Muslim country. Festivities centered around Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta, and echoed in Chinatowns across Indonesia.

On the celebration of Vesak, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas extended his greetings to the Buddhist community in Indonesia.

Minister Yaqut also praised this year's theme, "Awareness of Diversity for a Noble, Harmonious, and Happy Life."

"This theme is very relevant in the context of our nation today, where the awareness of our rich diversity is crucial for maintaining harmony and unity. Harmony is a prerequisite for development," Minister Yaqut said in an official statement delivered via video on Thursday.

He also urged the Buddhist community to use this year's Vesak celebration as a moment to rekindle harmony among all religious communities. He highlighted that interfaith synergy could significantly contribute to the nation's development.

"Let Vesak be a moment to weave back the harmony after the election dynamics, following the presidential and legislative elections. It is time to build synergy to contribute the best to the nation's future development," Yaqut said.

Thudong Ritual
As many as 43 Buddhist monks completed their journey to Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Tuesday after walking thousands of kilometers as part of the Thudong ritual. Their arrival was warmly welcomed by both devotees and tourists. At the temple's summit, they immediately began their prayers and performed the Pradaksina ritual, circling the main stupa.

The monks, hailing from various Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Korea, drew significant attention from visitors at Borobudur Temple.

Head Thudong Monk Kamsai Sumano Mahatera expressed his happiness at reaching their destination in good health. He appreciated the warm reception from locals and the scenic beauty along the way.

Sumano explained that upon reaching the temple's summit, they performed prayers and conducted the Pradaksina ritual, which involves walking clockwise around the main stupa three times.

Thudong, a spiritual journey undertaken by Buddhists to attain inner peace, has roots in ancient traditions and is observed in preparation for Vesak celebrations. Sumano emphasized that this journey symbolizes leaving behind worldly concerns, carrying only essential items, and focusing on spiritual growth.

The Vesak Celebrations
As the Vesak celebration approached, the Thudong monks and Buddhists held a sacred water collection ceremony at Umbul Jumprit in Temanggung, Central Java.

A total of 22 jugs filled with holy water were then transported to Mendut Temple in Magelang to be enshrined and sanctified.

Lined up and carrying the jugs, the monks proceeded to the water collection site. Together, they drew water using ladles, poured it into the jugs, and then brought them to the Umbul Jumprit spring area for prayers.

Chairman of the Central Java Walubi Regional Representative Council, Tanto Harsono, said that 13 congregations participated in the sacred water collection ritual.

"From here, we will take the water to Mendut Temple for enshrinement. Tomorrow, along with the eternal flame, we will parade it to Borobudur Temple," said Tanto during the water collection at Umbul Jumprit, Ngadirejo Village, Ngadirejo Subdistrict, Temanggung, on Wednesday.

Before being taken to Mendut Temple in Magelang, the 22 jugs of holy water were prayed over by the monks and Buddhists at the Jumprit courtyard.

Tanto added that holy water holds significant meaning for Buddhists, symbolizing purity from the Buddha and being a source of life.

"Water symbolizes one of the five elements in humans. Water is crucial because without it, we cannot live. Most of our resources come from water. This holy water will bring blessings to everyone," he explained.

Peak Vesak Celebrations at Borobudur and TMII
The main Vesak celebration will be centered at Borobudur Temple this year, taking place in the temple's courtyard on Thursday. Visitor access to Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, during the peak celebration will be time-restricted. Visitors will be allowed to enter from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In Jakarta, the celebration of Vesak will be marked by a service at the Budha Arya Dwipa Arama Temple in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) on Thursday evening.

The evening service will start at 6:00 p.m. and will be led by Bhikkhuni Santini Mahatheri. The ceremony will include witnessing the precise moment of Waisak at 8:52 p.m.

The Waisak celebration at TMII will continue on Saturday with a Kecak dance performance titled "Gugur Rahwana" at Jawadwipa Amphitheater. The event will take place at 5:00 p.m.

Last week, TMII also hosted a send-off event for 40 Thudong monks who began their pilgrimage from Jakarta to Borobudur Temple in commemoration of Waisak. The send-off ceremony themed "Enlightened in Harmony" saw a large gathering of Buddhists.

Community Participation in Vesak
On Thursday morning, 10 monks from Cambodia conducted the tradition of Pindapata in the Chinatown area of Makassar, South Sulawesi along Sulawesi Street in Wajo Subdistrict. Each monk carried an empty bowl, walking along the street to receive alms from the residents.

The monks were warmly welcomed by the Buddhist community along the nearly 2-kilometer route. 

Chairman of the Girinaga Vihara, Roy Ruslim, noted the enthusiastic response from residents. The monks, carrying their alms bowls, interacted with the community and received donations along their walk.

The Buddhists filled the monks' bowls with various donations, such as money, food, and drinks. These alms were then transferred to bowls carried by the committee and loaded onto pickup trucks. They successfully collected enough alms to fill seven vehicles.

"The enthusiasm was extraordinary; we saw thousands of Buddhists along Sulawesi Street. We gathered donations that filled seven vehicles," he added.

Pindapata, part of the activities leading up to Tri Suci Waisak, signifies the tradition of giving. Roy explained that Pindapata is an ancient tradition that teaches the importance of sharing with those in need. The donations collected will be distributed to orphanages and elderly homes after Waisak.

"The alms will be donated to orphanages and senior homes after Waisak," he said.

Vesak, the celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, remains a profound and unifying occasion for Buddhists in Indonesia, symbolizing the values of compassion, harmony, and community.