"This is a meditation parade. This is part of a mental exercise to help us remain balanced and strong against any temptation from outside," Walubi chairperson Siti Hartati Murdaya said.Magelang, C Java (ANTARA News) - Thousands of Buddhists and hundreds of monks took part in the procession for the commemoration of Waisak Day here, Wednesday, walking 3.5 kilometers from Mendut to Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java.
The procession followed prayers at Mendut Temple, led by monks from 14 councils of the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi) at 3pm.
A number of monks were seen aboard floats spreading petals of flowers and holy water along the way.
Walubi chairperson Siti Hartati Murdaya said the procession had become an annual tradition for the Buddhists.
"This is a meditation parade. This is part of a mental exercise to help us remain balanced and strong against any temptation from outside," she stressed.
Waisak Day is an occasion for Buddhists to practise real Buddhism. "Men will return to their own selves," she said.
Traffic from Mendut to Borobudur Temple, which was built during the Syailendra dynasty in the 8th century was rerouted to other directions.
The general public, including tourists from home and abroad, lined up for the procession route from Mendut to Borobudur to watch it.
Around 5pm, the procession reached Borobudur where monks and Walubi leaders lighted candles at the five-color altar.
The Waisak Day that falls on Thursday commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha Gautama. The day is declared as a holiday in Indonesia.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
