Thousands of Buddhists Participate in the Vesak Procession at Sewu Temple, Prambanan

As many as 5.000 Buddhists took part in the procession Vesak Tri Suci Day 2026 at Sewu Temple, Klaten Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This procession was attended by Buddhists from various regions, including Central Java, Yogyakarta Special Region, West Java, Lampung, Bali, DKI Jakarta, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, Tangerang, Banten, and East Java.

The procession began with the Great Maitri Prajna Yatra procession from Plaosan Temple to Sewu Temple, followed by worshippers. The procession then included the sanctification of the altar, the Vesak Sannipata, and the Vesak ritual, which took place with great solemnity.

One of the committee members for the Waisak Sewu Temple, Bhikkhu Badrapalo Thera, said that the procession initiated by the 2026 Indonesian Buddhayana Family was the 22nd Waisak ceremony in Sewu Temple take place.

Prior to this, Buddhists collect holy water in their respective areas, bring it to the temple, and recite paritta chants every night. This activity is also supported by readings of the Dhammapada in Pali and Javanese throughout the month.

On Vesak Day, the series of events begins with the Great Maitri Prajna Yatra Parade, the sanctification of the altar, the Vesak Sannipata, and the solemn Vesak ritual. The Parade runs from Plaosan Temple to Sewu Temple.

"This procession is a journey based on love to realize wisdom. With the theme "Spreading Love, Cultivating World Peace," we hope that the love we possess will have a positive impact on the world. Hopefully, with the power of our love, there will be no more conflict, division, or war," he said.

The presence of people from various regions reflects the spirit of unity in diversity and a shared determination to spread the values ​​of love to all creatures.

Director of Buddhist Affairs and Education of the Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion, Nyoman Suriadarma, said that the Vesak celebration was held simultaneously in various temples, including Sewu Temple, Sojiwan Temple, Borobudur Temple, and various other temples in Indonesia.

"We are simultaneously celebrating the Tri Suci Vesak (Three Sacred Vesak Days). This year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched Vesakha Sananda for the second year. One of the biggest Vesakha Sananda activities is on May 20, coinciding with the National Awakening. All 2.570 Buddhists in Indonesia across 34 provinces observed a collective period of silence," said Nyoman. 

Nyoman said that through the theme raised this time, the government hopes to create vibrations of peace, vibrations of harmony, harmony, and togetherness that come from the archipelago.

"In this way, Buddhists in Indonesia can set an example and follow the example that peace and harmony will be absolute requirements for national peace and peace among nations," he said.

On the same occasion, the Acting Regional Secretary of Klaten Regency, Jaka Purwanto, hoped that the commemoration of the Holy Day of Vesak would bring peace, wisdom, love, and happiness to all people. 

Jaka said this is proof that centuries ago, ancestors in Klaten have provided real examples and examples of tolerance, mutual cooperation, and how to live side by side peacefully despite differences.

"This event is not only for Buddhists, but also a joy shared by all elements of society as a symbol of strong religious harmony," he concluded.