There are festivals related to religious celebrations you attend, and then there are moments that linger in your memory. Waisak at Borobudur is in the latter.
Each year, as part of Vesak Day in Indonesia, thousands flock to Borobudur Temple to witness one of the country’s most awaited festivities. The highlight of this event is the lantern release that creates a serene sea of floating light in the night sky. Yes, it is lovely, but it also feels deeply personal for those attended.
If you want to experience the Borobudur Waisak ceremony in 2026, here’s everything you need to know.
More Than a Festival
At its core, Vesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. These teachings become a shared, lived experience during the Borobudur Waisak ceremony.
Held at the world's largest Buddhist temple, the event attracts not only Buddhist devotees but also local and international tourists seeking a cultural festival like no other. What makes this festival stand out is how it seamlessly combines spirituality, tradition, and ambiance without feeling staged.
Why the Lantern Release Feels So Special
The lantern release is indeed the most anticipated part of the entire celebration of Waisak at Borobudur. Yet, it’s not just about the visuals that make it popular.
Each lantern carries thoughtful meaning:
- Enlightenment: The light symbolizes clarity and wisdom.
- Thoughts and prayers: Participants write their hopes and prayers for peace, joy, and freedom from suffering before releasing the lanterns.
- Unity: Thousands of people letting go of the lanterns represents unity and a collective hope for peace.
When the lanterns ascend into the sky, the mood shifts. It becomes serene and reflective, and those who witness it don’t just watch it, drawing in those who witness the majestic spectacle. That’s what makes the Borobudur Waisak ceremony feel different from other annual events in Indonesia.
The Experience of Waisak at Borobudur
While the lantern release is the most anticipated part, Vesak Day Indonesia is held across a number of events that build up to it.
Exploring the temple grounds
You can spend time wandering around the Borobudur Temple prior to the ceremony. By walking through the historic corridors and stone reliefs, you can get context for everything that follows.
The ideal time to go is in the late afternoon when the sunlight softens, the crowds thin slightly, and the ambiance becomes more reflective. All these truly set the mood for the evening ahead.
Meditation and reflection
Before the lanterns' release, there is a short meditation session you can follow. And this is where the Borobudur Waisak ceremony becomes more than just an annual event, but an experience.
There’s no rush during this session, only a collective pause.
Afterward, people write down their wishes or reflections on small pieces of paper and attach them to their lanterns. It’s a simple, but grounding act. Although you do this in the middle of a large crowd, it somehow can feel really personal.
The lantern release
And this is it, the moment everyone waits for.
As night falls, thousands flock to the designated areas near the temple. To accommodate more participants, the lantern release usually takes place in two sessions.
The sky then slowly starts to fill.
Lanterns rise together, slowly drifting higher. There was no countdown, not even a loud celebration—just a shared stillness. For many, this is the defining moment of Waisak at Borobudur, and the reason they travel here.
Tickets and What to Know Before You Go
If you plan to join the lantern release, you must get a special ticket for the Borobudur Waisak ceremony, which is different from regular temple entry.
Most ticket packages for the event usually include:
- Access to the lantern release area
- A paper lantern to release
- Access to join the meditation and prayer sessions
Ticket prices usually range from IDR 300,000 to more than IDR 500,000, depending on which package you choose. Also, keep in mind that tickets for Waisak at Borobudur are always in high demand and often sell out quickly. So, it’s recommended to book early through official ticketing platforms.
Also, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wear modest white clothing
- Follow the provided event guidelines for safety and flow
- Use only the paper lanterns provided by organizers
Making a plan ahead of time makes the entire experience much smoother and allows you to focus on the actual moment.
A Moment Worth Experiencing
After a long, memorable evening at Waisak at Borobudur, having a comfortable place to relax makes all the difference.
If you plan to go to Yogyakarta afterward, Bobopod Malioboro is a convenient and practical choice. It’s located near Malioboro Street and is only a few minutes from major transport hubs.
The pods are compact, well-designed, clean, and modern, with smart features that let you control temperature and lighting from your smartphone. It’s exactly what you need after a full day of exploring the temple and a night of reflection during the Vesak celebration in Indonesia.
To keep things effortless, download the Bobobox app and book your stay in just a few taps!
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