RRI.CO.ID, Magelang - Borobudur Temple reaffirmed its standing as a global spiritual hub as thousands of Buddhists and monks from across the globe gathered for Indonesia Tipitaka Chanting (ITC) 2026 at Lumbini Park within the Borobudur Temple Tourism Complex in Magelang Regency, Central Java from July 24 to 26, 2026. The event drew overwhelming enthusiasm and high international interest that pushed participant registration to maximum capacity.

Indonesia Tipitaka Chanting (ITC) is an annual joint recitation of Buddhist sacred scriptures. Meanwhile, Asalha Mahapuja is a major holy day commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon and the establishment of the Three Jewels, which are Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Chairperson of the ITC and Asalha Mahapuja 2570 BE/2026 organizing committee, Bhikkhu Gutadhammo Mahatera, serves as a forum for preserving Buddhist teachings. It also aims to strengthen Dhamma practice through the recitation of the Tipitaka scriptures.

He said this year’s event carries special significance because it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Sangha Theravada Indonesia, the organization of Buddhist monks, also known as the Golden Year.

“This year’s ITC and Asalha Mahapuja are very special because they coincide with the half-century celebration of Sangha Theravada Indonesia. Enthusiasm among the devotees is also very high, many are still seeking to register but the venue can only accommodate 2,045 participants,” he said in Magelang on Friday, July 24, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He said the participants consisted of monks from within and outside the country, samanera, atthasilani, and Buddhist devotees who took part in the recitation of suttas from the Tipitaka scriptures.

In addition to reciting suttas, participants also received explanations of Majjhima Nikaya 71–80 delivered by monks qualified in Buddhist religious education. The step was taken so participants would not only read the texts but also understand the meaning of the teachings contained in them.

He emphasized that the Indonesia Tipitaka Chanting is not merely an annual religious agenda, but a genuine space for learning and practicing Dhamma for Buddhists from various regions.

Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Supriyadi, praised the consistency of Sangha Theravada Indonesia in continuing to hold the Indonesia Tipitaka Chanting every year.

According to him, the event is an important part of safeguarding, preserving, and developing Buddhist teachings in Indonesia. He said the quality of the event continues to improve, both in terms of participant numbers, area coverage, and the substance of activities.

“What matters most is not just gathering, but how participants truly practice the teachings they learn. Reading the Tipitaka is a learning process, while the ultimate goal is to make Dhamma values a habit and a character in daily life,” he said.

He added that through the ITC and Asalha Mahapuja 2570 BE/2026, the government and Sangha Theravada Indonesia hope the event will further strengthen Buddhist solidarity and deepen understanding of the Tipitaka scriptures. Furthermore, it is expected to encourage the practice of moral and virtuous values in social life. ***

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