Peak of Waisak Celebration 2568 BE at Borobudur Temple

Tens of thousands of visitors consisting of Buddhists and tourists witnessed the peak procession of the Tri Suci Waisak celebration at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang, Central Java, Thursday (23/5/2024). The series of activities, starting from the Waisak Parade, the Waisak seconds procession to the flying of lanterns went according to plan and provided a meaningful experience for the visitors who came.

The Waisak procession took place from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, approximately 3 km away. The procession to Kenari field in zone I of Borobudur Temple carried a number of worship facilities, including holy Waisak water, dharma fire, and mountains of agricultural products. Various cultural arts performances and a row of decorated cars enlivened the procession which was attended by thousands of people. The Sangha monks were busy sprinkling blessed water while greeting residents who had lined up along the road.

The peak of Waisak celebration is centered in Kenari Square of Borobudur Temple. Thousands of people follow each procession with full reverence. The peak of Waisak is accompanied by a joint prayer led by various sanghas, meditation practices and closed with pradaksina around Borobudur Temple three times.

The lighting of 3800 candles illuminates zone II of Borobudur Temple to send off the participants of the lantern flight which symbolizes peace and world harmony. The Vesak celebration is closed with the flight of 2568 lanterns which release joy, settling a meaningful experience.

InJourney Destination Management (IDM), a subsidiary of the Tourism BUMN Holding and InJourney Supporter, supports the implementation of the Tri Suci Waisak 2568 BE celebration, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Borobudur Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP). IDM ensures the safety and comfort of all Buddhists who carry out worship activities in the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, by implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to maintain the safety and solemnity of worship.

In the spirit of developing Borobudur Temple as the World's Buddhist Epicentrum and Spiritual Destination, IDM conveyed the readiness of Borobudur Temple Tourism Park in welcoming the Peak of the Tri Suci Waisak Day 2568 BE celebration by arranging operational visiting hours, diverting parking routes and implementing regulations that support Waisak activities to run smoothly, sacredly and solemnly.

Borobudur Temple Tourism Park has adjusted tourist visits to the destination. Regular tourists who come at the peak of Waisak 2024 will still be served from 06.30 WIB. Tourists can also still visit the Borobudur Temple structure which is open until session 4 or until 11.30 WIB only. Meanwhile, the time limit for visits to the Borobudur Temple structure is limited to 13.00 WIB, and access restrictions for regular visitors in the Borobudur Temple courtyard are limited to 12.30 WIB.

People who want to participate in the peak of Waisak 2024 by releasing lanterns or watching the release of lanterns, the visit route is still through gate 1 or the tourist entrance gate. Visitors are directed according to the regular visit route to then occupy the best location that has been determined for each type of ticket holder. Meanwhile, the ticket exchange service for lantern participants held by MBMI is carried out from 10.00–17.00 WIB. The location for this ticket exchange is on the west side gate regular tourist entry.

InJourney Destination Management also coordinates with the Magelang Regency Transportation Agency, the Magelang Police Traffic Corps and the community to provide temporary parking areas around the destination for worshipers and the general public who want to attend the peak of the 2024 Waisak event. This collaboration is a manifestation of InJourney Destination Management's readiness to provide the best service for visitors who attend so that security and comfort are maintained.

The main vehicle parking locations are directed to four areas, namely in Janan Hamlet, Ngaran Hamlet, Svargabumi and the Muhammadiyah Borobudur field which are estimated to be able to accommodate almost 1.000 two-wheeled, four-wheeled and six-wheeled vehicles.

"We hope that the entire series of events can run smoothly and solemnly, so that the public can have an impressive experience while participating in Waisak 2024 at Borobudur Temple," concluded Hetty.