For the first time since the coronavirus outbreak ravaged the country, Indonesian Buddhists launched hundreds of lanterns into the sky while commemorating Vesak Day at Borobudur Temple.
More than a thousand Buddhists from all over the archipelago congregated in Magelang, Central Java, to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama.
On Monday night, prayers and meditation were held, holy water was collected, and fluttering lanterns were released to symbolize the release of negativity.
Only those with an invitation and a double dosage of the COVID-19 vaccination were permitted to visit the vast complex of Borobudur to participate in the rituals.
Prior to the outbreak, the event drew more than 20,000 people from all throughout the Muslim-majority country and beyond.
“After two years of not being able to celebrate Vesak Day here, we can now, even though not precisely as before the epidemic since there are still limits, but I’m really thrilled,” Christina, a 20-year-old Buddhist who goes by one name, told AFP.
Despite the limits and tight health procedures, monks and devotees adhered to the three-day procession and rites, including the tradition of collecting holy water from the beautiful springs at Jumprit in adjacent Temanggung district.
The parade and countdown to Vesak were also livestreamed for individuals who did not have an invitation to the ceremony, just before midnight on Monday.
Indonesian Buddhists make up less than 1% of the country’s population of over 270 million people.
Borobudur Temple, built in the ninth century, was abandoned as the Hindu kingdoms of Java island fell and the majority of Javanese began to convert to Islam.
The temple’s presence was virtually forgotten until the 19th century, when it was buried in volcanic ash and concealed in the bush.