TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vesak Day is one of the important celebrations for Buddha believers. This festive day commemorates three pivotal events in Gautama Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment (Satori), and Parinirvana (passing away)
According to various sources, let's explore key information related to the 2025 Vesak Day, including its theme, purpose, significance, and traditions during the celebration.
A Brief History of Vesak Day
Vesak Day celebrates Buddha Gautama, the Great Teacher or Spiritual Guru around the 5th century BC. Also known as Siddhartha Gautama, he was born into royalty but believed that wealth did not guarantee happiness
At the age of 29, Buddha left the palace and meditated to seek the ultimate truth. Finally, at the age of 35, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
This site became historically significant for Buddhists, particularly in India. Furthermore, Buddha taught his complete doctrine, known as Dharma or the teachings of Buddha, to his followers. He continuously propagated his teachings to ensure people understand and do not wander onto the path of delusion.
In 1950, the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Sri Lanka unanimously declared Vesak as Buddha's birthday, to be celebrated simultaneously in various countries. Meanwhile, in the homeland, the first Vesak Day was celebrated during the era of Sriwijaya and Majapahit.
Purpose of Vesak Day
What is the primary objective of celebrating Vesak? As mentioned earlier, Vesak becomes a moment to recall three great events in the life of Buddha.
"Vesak commemorates the process of birth, enlightenment, and parinibbana (passing away) of Siddhartha Gautama," said Karbono, a Buddhist Community Counselor at the Central Java Ministry of Religion, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
This annual celebration also provides an opportunity for self-reflection and to strengthen virtuous values, self-control, and compassion, encouraging positive contributions to the community
Beyond its spiritual significance, Vesak also aims to cultivate and strengthen the practice of Dharma in daily life. Specifically, Buddhists are reminded to embody Buddha's values in real life, creating a meeting point between spiritual values and social action, between sacredness and humanity.
Meaning of Vesak Celebration
What is the significance of the three major events in Buddha's life for his followers? A more detailed explanation can be found below.
1. Birth
Siddhartha Gautama's birth in 423 BC highlights the importance of life. Additionally, Buddha's birth signifies the journey from the beginning to enlightenment.
2. Enlightenment
Enlightenment or supreme illumination marks a turning point in Buddha's life. He finally discovered the truth about human life and the religious teachings referred to as Dharma.
3. Passing Away
Buddha passed away in 543 BC at the age of 80. His passing was a moment for all his followers to pay their final respects. Buddha's passing confirmed that death is indeed a part of human life.
The Theme of Vesak Day 2025
In 2025, Vesak Day in Indonesia falls on Monday, May 12, a designated national holiday
Each year, the Vesak celebration adopts a different theme. This year, based on the official website of Walubi, Vesak Day 2025 adopts the main theme "Enhancing Self-Control and Wisdom, Realizing World Peace" with the sub-theme "United in Realizing the Peace of Vesak for the Happiness of All Beings".
The peak event of Vesak Day in Indonesia this year will once again be held at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java. Below is the series of activities for Vesak Day at the world's largest Buddhist temple:
May 4, 2025: Public Service at the Cemetery of Heroes throughout Indonesia.
May 10-11, 2025: Free Medical Treatment Social Service in Zone 2 of Borobudur Temple.
May 10, 2025: Dharma Flame at Mrapen, Grobogan, and Ritual Sanctification at Mendut Temple.
May 11, 2025: Holy Water at Umbul Jumprit, Temanggung, and Ritual Sanctification at Mendut Temple.
May 12, 2025: Vesak Procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, Releasing Vesak Lanterns, Vesak Moments, and Pradaksina Borobudur Temple.
Traditions during the Vesak Celebration
Buddhists observe several traditions during Vesak Day. Here are some common Vesak traditions:
1. Praying and Meditating Peacefully
During the Vesak celebration, Buddhists visit local or larger temples to pray and often meditate peacefully on themselves and their lives. Temples from various regions usually have their own programs to commemorate Vesak Day.
2. Wearing White Attire
Although there is no specific dress code for visiting temples on Vesak Day, Buddhists are encouraged to wear white clothing. This is because the color white is considered a symbol of purity.
3. Observing the Five Precepts
The five precepts observed include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and consuming alcohol, principles generally practiced in daily life.
Besides, Buddhists are also taught to abstain from speaking ill of others and not engage in negative activities.
4. Lighting Oil Lamps or Candles
Buddhists light oil lamps during Vesak Day, believing they dispel darkness and symbolize enlightenment.
For those using candles, the candles are usually shaped like lotus flowers. The lotus flower symbolizes the blossoming of beauty in a chaotic world. According to mythology, Buddha also magically emerged from the flower.
5. Hoisting the Buddha's Flag
The Buddha's flag has six vertical stripes in blue, yellow, red, white, and orange. This flag was designed by J.R. de Silva and Colonel Henry S. Olcott in the 1800s.
Many temples freely distribute these flags to followers, encouraging them to display them at home during Vesak Day.
6. Offering Alms
During Vesak, Buddhists offer alms, such as food, basic necessities, and medical supplies, to monks. The monks practice eating just once a day (during daylight hours). As a result, many followers come to the temple, turning Vesak Day into an opportunity to volunteer in food preparation.
7. Bathing 'the Buddha'
Buddhists visiting temples during Vesak Day often perform this sacred ritual, believing it purifies the heart and mind from greed, hatred, and ignorance.
