The Magic of the Lampion Festival at Borobudur
Lampion Festival at Borobudur Temple
Imagine standing under the starry skies of Central Java, surrounded by the soft hum of prayers and the golden glow of flickering lanterns. Every May, the majestic Borobudur Temple becomes the heart of a deeply moving celebration — Waisak Day, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. The highlight of this spiritual event is the enchanting Lampion Festival, where thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, carrying messages of peace, hope, and unity.
The celebrations typically begin in the morning with a sacred procession starting at Mendut Temple, continuing through Pawon Temple, and ending at the iconic Borobudur Temple. Monks dressed in saffron robes lead the way, accompanied by devotees from across Indonesia and neighboring countries like Thailand and Myanmar. The atmosphere is serene yet powerful, filled with chanting, meditation, and rituals that connect participants to centuries of tradition.
As night falls, the temple complex transforms. Devotees and visitors gather on the grounds, each handed a delicate paper lantern. Guided by the monks, a quiet moment of reflection takes place, followed by the highly anticipated lantern release ceremony. One by one, glowing orbs rise into the sky, creating a mesmerizing dance of light against the silhouette of Borobudur. It’s a moment that takes your breath away — the blend of ancient spirituality and poetic beauty is simply unforgettable.
Most travelers choose to stay in either Magelang, which is close to Borobudur, or in Yogyakarta, a cultural city about 90 minutes away that offers a wider range of hotels and restaurants. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation and transport well in advance, as this event draws large crowds from both Indonesia and abroad.
For those who want to Xplore further, adding a few days in Yogyakarta is a great idea. The city is rich with history, traditional arts, culinary treasures, and nearby attractions like Prambanan Temple and Mount Merapi. And if you're documenting your journey, Borobudur at sunrise, glowing in morning mist, makes for a photographer’s dream.
the Lampion Festival at Borobudur is something you simply cannot miss. It’s more than a celebration — it’s a peaceful revolution of light and devotion, reminding us that even the smallest light can shine brightly in the dark.
