RRI.CO.ID, Magelang - At precisely 3:44:44 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 31, 2026, thousands of Buddhists fell into solemn silence at the foot of Borobudur Temple in Magelang Regency, Central Java.

The moment marked the peak of the Tri Suci Vesak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE)/2026 commemoration, one of the most sacred observances in the Buddhist calendar and among Indonesia’s grandest religious gatherings.

Pilgrims and devotees from across Indonesia and abroad filled the temple grounds, joining bhikkhus, religious leaders, and dignitaries in a ceremony steeped in reverence and reflection.

The gathering honored three defining events in the life of Gautama Buddha: the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of perfect enlightenment, and his passing, known as Parinibbana.

Mahayana Sangha of the Holy Land of Indonesia Bhikkhu Dwi Virya delivered remarks at the commemoration, framing the occasion as more than a religious ritual. He said Vesak serves as a moment for the faithful to strengthen self‑discipline, cultivate virtue, and bring peace into their daily lives.

This year’s celebration carried the theme “Dharma as a Source of Morality and Wisdom,” a call for Buddhists to make dharma the guiding principle in building noble, wise, tolerant, and responsible character within society.

“The values of dharma taught by the Buddha remain relevant in answering the challenges of modern life, while also serving as a foundation for building harmony and brotherhood among all humanity,” Dwi Virya said, as quoted by Antara.

Through the Tri Suci Vesak 2570 BE commemoration, Buddhists are encouraged to deepen their appreciation of Dharma and universal loving‑kindness. In doing so, they may bring peace, wisdom, and harmony to all living beings and to the world.

Dwi Virya also noted that the Vesak celebration at Borobudur stands as one of the largest Buddhist religious events in Indonesia, drawing worshippers from multiple countries each year to mark the holy day together.

Borobudur, a ninth‑century Mahayana Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to serve as the spiritual heart of Vesak observances in Indonesia. Its towering stupas and stone reliefs provide a backdrop that connects the present moment to centuries of Buddhist heritage. ***