Thudong Monks: A Holy Ritual of Vesak at Borobudur
Vesak Thudong Monks, or Bhikku Thudong, have become one of the traditions that attracts public attention during Vesak celebrations in Indonesia. This tradition is carried out by walking thousands of kilometers, even crossing multiple countries.
The monks undertake this spiritual practice with simplicity, perseverance, and self-discipline. It is no surprise that the journey often inspires admiration and curiosity from many people, not only Buddhists.
So, what is the meaning behind the Thudong Monk tradition itself, and how did this tradition begin? Let’s check out more in the article below.
The History of the Thudong Monk Tradition
Thudong monks are part of a Buddhist practice that emphasizes living simply and moving from place to place while deepening meditation and inner spiritual training. During their journey, the monks usually carry only essential belongings and rely on food offerings from local communities.
The purpose of practicing Thudong is to train the monks’ patience and endurance. Along the way, they face the heat of the sun, rain, and limited living conditions, while eating only once a day, drinking modestly, and resting wherever possible.
This spiritual journey symbolizes the struggles of the Buddha before having monasteries, permanent residences, or transportation. At that time, the bhantes who spread Buddhist teachings had to travel on foot from one forest to another.
Before beginning the journey, the monks usually fast and remain in seclusion for four months during the rainy season. Then, when the dry season begins, the Thudong pilgrimage is carried out.
The Meaning of Simplicity and Patience in the Tudhong Monk Tradition
Thudong is not merely a journey. This tradition carries a profound meaning about patience, resilience, and sincerity in undertaking a long-distance pilgrimage. It teaches that every religious believer should return to their faith and apply its teachings in daily life.
This spiritual journey also reflects interfaith tolerance, as seen during the monks’ journey to Indonesia. Along the route, the monks received support from communities of various religious backgrounds. In this way, the tradition also serves as a symbol of peace among religions.
During the journey, many people welcome the bhantes and offer them food, drinking water, and fruits, and even sprinkle water on the roads the monks will pass to reduce the heat. And it is not only Buddhists who greet them, but society as a whole. It truly highlights the beauty of diversity, doesn’t it?
Thudong Monks and Vesak 2026
The Thudong Monk tradition was first carried out in Indonesia in 2023. At that time, the monks traveled from Thailand to Indonesia to commemorate the Holy Day of Vesak at Borobudur. Since then, Thudong has remained one of the main series of Vesak celebrations at Borobudur.
However, unlike previous years, the monks’ journey in 2026 introduces a new concept called Indonesia Walk For Peace (IWFP). This title symbolizes that the monks’ journey is not merely a religious ritual but also carries messages of peace and humanity.
The activity follows the route Thailand–Bali–Borobudur Temple and involves monks from Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia, symbolizing cross-border brotherhood. It also reflects that the spirit of peace and togetherness transcends national and cultural boundaries.
The journey from Bali to Borobudur Temple covers approximately 666 km, beginning on May 9, 2026, and is expected to arrive on May 28, 2026, before participating in the peak of the Vesak celebration (the Full Moon Festival) on May 31, 2026, at Borobudur Temple.
Welcoming the End of the Thudong Monks’ Journey at Borobudur
After approximately 20 days of travel, the bhantes will be welcomed at Borobudur Temple on May 30, 2026. Before reaching the peak of the Vesak celebration, the bhantes will perform various rituals, including San Pu Yi Pay, Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Indonesia, the retrieval of the sacred Mrapen flame from Mendut Temple, and the collection of blessed water from Umbul Jumprit for Mendut.
During the peak of the Vesak celebration at Borobudur on May 31, 2026, the bhantes will begin activities such as San Bu Yia Bai, parades, Vesak rituals, incense lighting, meditation and the sacred Vesak moment observance, chants and prayers, pradaksina (circumambulation ritual), and the evening Vesak ceremony.
This series of Vesak celebrations at Borobudur concludes with the lantern release, a moment eagerly awaited by visitors. Every year, this event has become one of the iconic highlights of the Vesak celebration. The lantern release is open not only to Buddhists but also to all visitors, both domestic and international.
Would you like to be one of the thousands of people experiencing this sacred moment in person? If so, make sure you do not miss out on the tickets. Tickets for the lantern release at Borobudur can be purchased online through the official InJourney Destination website. You can check them directly at the Borobudur Vesak Ticket page.
Book your ticket now and witness the beauty of the Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple with thousands of visitors from different regions and countries!
Read also: Borobudur Vesak 2026 with InJourney: Schedule, Tickets, and Event Information
