A Manifestation of Beauty: The Release of Thousands of Vesak Lanterns 2569 BE at Borobudur Temple
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A total of 2569 lanterns lit up the Borobudur sky on Vesak Day, Monday, May 12, 2025. This sacred moment attracted thousands of visitors who wanted to witness the enchanting beauty of the lantern release at Borobudur Temple.
In addition to releasing lanterns, the Vesak 2569 BE moment at Borobudur Temple was also enlivened by a drone show that displayed visuals of the sacred journey of Gautama Buddha during his lifetime until his Parinibbana.
A Moment of Spirituality and Togetherness
Chair of the 2569 Waisak Lantern Festival Committee, BE Fatmawati, said that 2.569 lanterns were released into the sky to symbolize this year's Waisak celebration.
"Participants come from various backgrounds with the aim of experiencing the sacredness of the Waisak procession in Borobudur. Under the moonlight and the sparkle of thousands of lanterns, it becomes a moment to reflect and feel true peace born from within," he said.
As part of the innovative Vesak celebrations, the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Council (MBMI) and Drone Show Indonesia are presenting a spectacular show using 450 drones that will adorn the night sky. Visualizations of the Buddha's life story, from his birth, asceticism, enlightenment, and death, will be brought to life through a narrative visual storytelling format.
"Hopefully, this story can convey the meaning of Waisak more deeply and can be more easily understood by the public," continued Fatmawati.
Also read: Borobudur Vesak 2026 with InJourney: Schedule, Lantern Tickets, and Event Information
Not only the charm of lanterns and visual performances, this celebration also invites visitors to enjoy another side of local culture through Pasar Medang. President Director of PT TWC, Febrina Intan, said that Pasar Medang presents 60 UMKM actors from Borobudur and its surroundings. They serve a variety of traditional culinary and typical craft products.
"So that visitors don't just focus on the lanterns," he explained.
More than just a festive tradition, releasing lanterns on Vesak Day holds a deep meaning as a symbol of the release of suffering, inner enlightenment, and hope for a better life. This symbolism is an important part of the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
Visitors who wish to witness and experience firsthand the experience of releasing lanterns during Vesak in the Borobudur Temple area can view complete information on the official Vesak Borobudur 2026 ticket page.
