Buddha Day in Indonesia, known as Vesak or Waisak, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing (parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. , it is marked by prayers, meditation, and candlelight processions, especially at Borobudur Temple, symbolizing peace, compassion and spiritual awakening.

When is Buddha Day?

Buddha Day in Indonesia is observed on the full moon of the Vesak month (May or June) each year.

The following is the list of Buddha Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Buddha Day?

Buddha Day, known internationally as Vesak and in Indonesia as Waisak, commemorates the three major events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha:

– His birth in Lumbini (now in Nepal), around 563 BCE.
– His enlightenment (Bodhi) under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
– His passing into Nirvana (Parinirvana) at Kushinagar.

These three events are believed to have occurred on the same day — the full moon of the Vesak month (April–May), according to the lunar calendar. The term Vesak comes from the ancient Pali word "Vesākha", which refers to the second month of the Indian lunar calendar.

Buddhism reached the Indonesian archipelago between the 1st and 5th centuries CE, primarily through trade routes from India. It flourished alongside Hinduism, shaping Indonesia's cultural and spiritual heritage for over a millennium. By the 7th–9th centuries, under the Sriwijaya Empire (Sumatra) and the Sailendra Dynasty (Central Java), Buddhism reached its golden age in Indonesia.

During the Dutch colonial era (17th–20th centuries), Buddhism declined as Islam became the dominant religion and colonial authorities discouraged local traditions. However, small Buddhist communities persisted, especially among ethnic Chinese and Javanese Buddhists.

The revival of Buddhism began in the early 20th century, driven by Indonesian scholars and monks who sought to preserve and reintroduce Buddhist teachings.

In 1953, after Indonesia gained independence, the first modern Waisak celebration was held at Borobudur Temple, uniting Buddhists from across the country.

In 1983, the Indonesian government officially declared Waisak a national public holiday, recognizing its importance to the country's Buddhist community.

In 1999, the United Nations officially recognized Vesak as an international day of observance, honoring the Buddha's teachings of peace and human dignity.

Today, Waisak in Indonesia attracts not only Buddhists but also tourists and spiritual seekers from around the world who come to experience the serenity of Borobudur and the breathtaking lantern ceremony.