Thudong Monk, Ritual to Welcome Vesak Day in Borobudur

The Thudong Monk, or Bhikkhu Thudong, is one of the traditions that attracts attention during the Vesak celebrations in Indonesia. This tradition involves walking thousands of kilometers, even across multiple countries.

Monks live a spiritual tradition of simplicity, perseverance, and self-control. It's no wonder this journey often inspires awe and curiosity among many, not just Buddhists.

So, what exactly is the meaning of the Thudong Monk tradition, and how did it begin? Let's find out more in the article below.

Getting to Know the History of the Thudong Monk Tradition

Thudong Monasticism is a Buddhist practice that involves living a simple, nomadic lifestyle while pursuing meditation and spiritual practice. During their travels, monks typically carry only the bare necessities and rely on community food. 

The purpose of Thudong is to train the monks' patience. They are exposed to the heat of the sun and rain, are limited to eating only once a day and drinking only a little water, and live or rest in makeshift accommodations.

This spiritual journey symbolizes the Buddha's struggle before he had a monastery, a home, and transportation. Therefore, the monks who spread Buddhism at that time had to travel from forest to forest.

Before the journey begins, monks typically fast and seclude themselves in one place for four months during the rainy season. Then, as summer approaches, Thudong is performed.

The Meaning of Simplicity and Patience in the Thudong Monk Tradition

Thudong is more than just a journey; this tradition carries a profound meaning of patience, endurance, and sincerity when traversing long distances. This tradition teaches that every religious person must return to their faith to practice their respective religious teachings. 

This spiritual journey also demonstrates interfaith tolerance, as demonstrated by the monks' journey to Indonesia. Throughout the journey, in various regions, the monks received support from communities of various religious backgrounds. This can also serve as a symbol of interfaith peace.

Along the way, many people welcomed the monks and offered them offerings of food, drinking water, fruit, and even watering the path to cool them down. And it wasn't just the Buddhist community that welcomed them, but the entire community at large. It truly demonstrates the beauty of diversity, doesn't it?

Thudong Monk and Vesak 2026

The first Buddhist monk Thudong was held in Indonesia in 2023. At that time, monks traveled from Thailand to Indonesia to commemorate the Tri Suci Vesak (Vesak Tri Suci) holiday at Borobudur. To this day, Thudong remains a key component of the Vesak celebrations at Borobudur.

However, unlike previous years, the 2026 Monks' Journey will adopt a new concept, the Indonesia Walk for Peace (IWFP). This theme symbolizes that the monks' journey is not merely a religious ritual but also carries a message of peace and humanity.

This activity, held along the Thailand-Bali-Borobudur Temple route, involved monks from various countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia, symbolizing international brotherhood. It also reflects the spirit of peace and togetherness that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

The journey from Bali to Borobudur Temple covers a distance of approximately 666 km, starting on May 9, 2026 and is estimated to arrive on May 28, 2026 before participating in the peak of the Vesak celebration (Full Moon Festival) on May 31, 2026 at Borobudur Temple.

Welcoming the End of Monk Thudong's Journey to Borobudur

After traveling for approximately 20 days, the arrival of the bhante will be welcomed at Borobudur Temple on May 30, 2026. Before heading to the peak of the Vesak celebration, the bhante will perform various rituals, starting from San Pu Yi Pay, Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Indonesia, taking the Mrapen Fire to Mendut, and taking blessed water from Umbul Jumprit to Mendut.

At the peak of the Vesak celebration in Borobudur on May 31, 2026, the bhante began the San Bu Yia Bai activities, parade, Vesak ritual, incense lighting, meditation and Vesak moments, praise and prayer, pradaksina, and Vesak ceremonies in the evening.

The Vesak celebrations at Borobudur conclude with the lantern release, a moment eagerly anticipated by visitors. Each year, this moment has become an iconic part of the Vesak celebration. The lantern release is open not only to Buddhists but also to all tourists, both domestic and international. 

Do you want to be one of the thousands of people who experience this sacred experience firsthand? If so, don't miss out! Tickets for the Borobudur lantern release can be purchased online through the official Injourney Destination website. Check it out now! Borobudur Vesak Tickets.

Come on, book your tickets now and witness the beauty of the Vesak celebration with thousands of visitors from various regions and countries at Borobudur Temple!

See also: Borobudur Vesak 2026 with InJourney: Schedule, Tickets, and Event Information