Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vesak is a sacred occasion to cultivate virtue and promote global peace by strengthening harmony and tolerance among religious communities, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said, as Indonesia commemorated Vesak Day 2569 BE on Monday.

“Vesak is a holy occasion marking three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha,” he said. “The values it upholds are profoundly relevant to our shared lives across different faiths and cultures.”

This year’s national Vesak ceremony adopted the theme: “Enhancing Self-Control and Wisdom to Achieve World Peace.”

“This theme is a noble call for us to unite, show mutual respect, and promote peace in our thoughts, words, and actions,” Umar affirmed.

He also expressed appreciation for the full series of Wesākha Sānanda activities—festive events that enriched this year’s Vesak celebrations.

Umar highlighted key activities such as Thudong (a spiritual pilgrimage by monks), community service initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, and Dhamma teachings, which he said deepened the meaning of Vesak and fostered interfaith solidarity.

“May the celebration of the Three Sacred Events of Vesak serve as a source of spiritual strength, bring peace, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood in our efforts to build a harmonious and peaceful Indonesia,” he concluded.

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Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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