Lantern Release: Prayers from Borobudur for a More Peaceful World
Watching thousands of lanterns fly into the sky firsthand is no longer impossible. If all this time you have only watched it on social media, now is the time to experience the magical sensation of releasing lanterns into the sky above Borobudur Temple, carrying the hopes of everyone present.
Besides knowing when the Peace Lantern Release is held, if this is your first time joining the event, you may also want to learn more about ticket purchases, the location, and other details. Come on, check out the full information below.
Borobudur Lantern Release Schedule 2026
The Borobudur Lantern Release 2026 will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Participants can choose one of the two available sessions, with Session I scheduled to start at 6:00 PM WIB and Session II scheduled to start at 10:00 PM WIB.
The Borobudur lantern festival is part of the Vesak celebration series at Borobudur and can be attended by all visitors, not limited to Buddhists. The event takes place at Marga Utama Field and Lumbini Park within the Borobudur Temple Complex in Magelang, Central Java.
Experience the Magical Borobudur Lantern Release
As you enter the Borobudur Temple area, you will feel as if you are entering another world dominated by a sacred, magical, yet calming atmosphere. In line with the theme of the 2570 B.E/2026 Tri Suci Vesak Day commemoration, “Dharma Safeguarding World Peace,” the Peace Lantern Release also aims to bring peace to everyone who participates in or witnesses it.
This procession will take place as the sky begins to darken, allowing you to clearly see each light floating into the sky one by one. During this session, the atmosphere feels calmer as the lights are gradually dimmed and the thousands of attendees slowly fall silent. Amid this atmosphere, participants hold a paper lantern, ready to be released into the night sky.
One by one, the lanterns will begin to float away, creating a warm golden view that slowly fills the sky above Borobudur. At this very moment, you will feel as though you are inside the world of Tangled.
It is not only the visuals that make this moment feel magical, but also the atmosphere created. Thousands of lanterns flying together bring a sense of peace, as though each light carries prayers, hopes, and stories from everyone present. Combined with the majestic backdrop of Borobudur Temple at night, this experience becomes truly unforgettable.
Furthermore, Session II of the Peace Lantern Release will begin with a drone show telling the Life Story of the Buddha (Jataka), adding even more solemnity to the Lantern Release night.
The Spiritual Meaning of Releasing Lanterns
Not only is the lantern release procession during Vesak at Borobudur beautiful, but it also carries deep spiritual meaning. Lanterns symbolize inner enlightenment when Siddhartha Gautama achieved perfect understanding of the universe.
The lantern’s light also symbolizes kindness and compassion, which are among the core teachings of Buddhism. By releasing lanterns, participants express their intention to spread the light of goodness throughout the world.
Beyond that, lanterns flying high are also interpreted as symbols of awakening and self-transformation, freeing oneself from inner darkness.
How to Buy Borobudur Lantern Release Tickets
Tickets for the Peace Lantern Release can be purchased online through the official InJourney Destination website. For those who wish to participate directly in the lantern release, tickets are priced at IDR 950,000.
Meanwhile, you can also purchase tickets to watch the lantern release for IDR 250,000 for the grandstand view and IDR 65,000 for a viewing ticket outside the lantern release venue’s barricade.
In addition to the lantern release, you can enhance your experience by joining the Sunrise Pradaksina. The Sunrise Pradaksina ticket itself is priced at IDR 600,000, while the bundling package for the lantern release and Sunrise Pradaksina costs IDR 1,350,000.
Each person can purchase up to 10 tickets, and one ticket is valid for one person. Make sure you enter an active email address, as the e-ticket will be sent 1 day before the event to the registered email. The ticket already includes access to the temple complex area, a wishing card, and a lantern unit.
Another important thing to note is that one lantern will be released by four people, considering its large size. What if you are attending alone? Don’t worry, the committee will help group you with other participants.
Lastly, before attending the lantern release event at Borobudur, make sure you have prepared a white dress code.
The Borobudur Lantern Release is not just an annual event, but an experience that is difficult to describe with words. From the sacred Vesak atmosphere, with the night sky filled with lantern lights, to the silent moments of hope shared with thousands of others, it will be a truly memorable experience.
Therefore, if you want to directly experience the magical sensation of releasing lanterns at Borobudur Temple, make sure to purchase your tickets only through Borobudur Vesak Ticket on the official InJourney Destination website. Do not forget to secure your tickets early, as the Borobudur Lantern Release is always one of the most anticipated Vesak events.
Read also: Borobudur Vesak 2026 with InJourney: Schedule, Tickets, and Event Information
