2024 Vesak Lantern Festival at Borobudur: Schedule and Important Info

Celebrated worldwide, Vesak Day, also known as Trisuci Vesak, is particularly renowned for its enchanting lantern festival at Borobudur Temple. This event is not just visually stunning but also carries profound philosophical significance for Buddhists observing it.

This year, the highlight of the Trisuci Vesak 2568 BE celebration will occur on May 23, 2024. Each year, the festival is centered around a theme that reflects Buddhist teachings.

The theme for 2024 is: "To live happily as creatures and humans, let us enhance the awareness taught by the Buddha; avoid worldly greed, ignorance, anger, and hatred.”

The lantern festival during Vesak Day captivates not only Buddhists but also people from other faiths and attracts both local and international tourists.

Many eagerly purchase tickets well in advance to participate in this unique celebration. Interested in discovering more about the Vesak Lantern Festival at Borobudur? Keep reading for more info.

3 Things about the 2024 Vesak Lantern Festival at Borobudur Temple

Understanding the Vesak Lantern Festival

The Vesak Lantern Festival is often considered the pinnacle of the Trisuci Vesak celebrations at Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the country.

This festival stands out not only for its scale but also for the profound spiritual significance that accompanies the release of lanterns into the sky.

Launching lanterns on Vesak Day goes beyond a simple ceremony; it is a profound act filled with symbolism and spirituality. It is believed that the light from these lanterns can dispel negativity.

Moreover, releasing these lanterns represents the fulfillment of dreams and aspirations. Participants often write their prayers and wishes on the lanterns, imbuing each release with personal hopes and spiritual desires. Thus, the festival is not only visually spectacular but also deeply meaningful.

Location and Ticket Information for the 2024 Vesak Lantern Festival

The 2024 Vesak Lantern Festival will be hosted at the Marga Utama Square of Borobudur Temple, located in Magelang, Central Java. The Marga Utama Square, a prominent pathway leading to the temple, offers a spectacular view of Borobudur’s grandeur.

Ticket prices for the festival start at IDR 300,000. This price does not include the separate entrance fee required to access the temple itself. Tickets can be purchased through the official Borobudur website at borobudurpark.com and through various partnering travel agencies.

Due to high demand, tickets for the 2024 festival sold out shortly after they became available. Reports indicate that the organizers do not plan to release additional tickets, as the event is part of a religious observance and aims to accommodate primarily those participating in the ceremonies.

If you're considering attending next year's festival, slated for May 12, 2025, it’s advisable to monitor the official website and social media channels closely. Tickets typically go on sale about three months before the event, so staying informed will be key to securing your spot.

Event Guidelines and Rules

To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, the Vesak Lantern Festival has set a minimum age requirement of 7 years. All children must be accompanied by their parents.

If you have successfully secured a ticket for this year, remember to exchange it on the event day between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Please bring your ID and proof of purchase for verification.

Attendees must arrive for the specific session for which they have tickets; for example, tickets for session I are not valid for other sessions. In keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, attendees are advised to wear all-white attire, including both tops and bottoms. As the event takes place in a sacred site, wearing respectful and neat clothing is essential.

To maintain the sanctity of the event, please silence or turn off your mobile phones to avoid disturbing others. Bag checks will be conducted, and eating and drinking during the lantern release are not permitted.

This year, over 2,000 lanterns are expected to light up the sky on Vesak Day. Each lantern will be shared by four people, meaning not everyone will have their own lantern to release.

Other Events at Borobudur Temple During the Vesak Celebrations

In addition to the Lantern Festival, Borobudur hosts several other events as part of the Trisuci Waisak 2568 BE/2024 celebrations. These provide a perfect opportunity for those visiting Yogyakarta and Magelang to experience the solemn yet vibrant atmosphere around Borobudur Temple.

• Borobudur Peace and Prosperity Festival 2024 (BPF 2024)

Spanning three days from May 21-23, 2024, the festival features events across various locations:

May 21: 2024 Larung Pelita Purnama Siddhi Procession - Held at Pawon Temple and along the Progo River, this event mirrors the lantern festival where participants write their prayers and hopes on environmentally friendly lanterns and set them afloat on the river.

May 22: Merti Karuna Bhumi - Also at the same venue, this day features Javanese cultural performances and the Ngiwak/Fangshen tradition, where fish are released into the Progo River as a gesture of nature conservation. Tickets for these events are available online through partner travel agencies.

• Meditation While Walking: Cakravartin Digvijaya Pradaksina – Peace and Miracle in Every Step

Pradaksina, a respectful circumambulation around an object of worship, is typically a Buddhist practice, but this event invites participation from outside the Buddhist community as well.
 

Experience the tranquility of a morning walk around Borobudur Temple grounds, guided by mindfulness practitioners, on May 24, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. A donation of IDR 100,000 secures participation in this event, which also includes the regular entrance fee to the temple.

Explore Yogyakarta with TRAC Car Rental

Visiting Borobudur Temple for the Vesak celebrations or planning a long weekend in Yogyakarta? Consider TRAC car rentals for a safe and comfortable journey. Each year, the Vesak events at Borobudur draw large crowds, making convenient transportation a must.

This year, the Vesak celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2024, coincides with a long weekend, thanks to a special decree declaring Friday, May 24, as a joint leave day. Are you ready to make the most of this extended holiday?

If you’re planning to explore Yogyakarta, it’s wise to book your car rental early. Whether you're participating in the Vesak festivities or just sightseeing, starting your journey from Yogyakarta requires reliable transportation.

TRAC offers both self-drive car rental where you can enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, and with a driver so you can sit back and relax while professional drivers handle the navigation and parking.

For the best experience, make your reservation through the TRACtoGo app. Take advantage of a discount of up to IDR 250,000 with the promo codes TRACSILAHTURAHMISD for self-drive rentals or TRACSILAHTURAHMIWD for services with a driver. This offer is available until May 31, 2024. Install the TRACtoGO in Play Store and Apple App Store.

Stay updated by following TRAC on social media Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook at TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, and Twitter @TRACastra. Here, you’ll find more about upcoming events and must-visit attractions across Indonesia, as well as exclusive promotions and offers on TRAC services.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!