2026 Borobudur Vesak Lantern Festival: Schedule, Ticket Prices, and History
The night sky over Borobudur Temple will once again glow with thousands of lights during the peak of the Tri Suci Waisak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) celebrations on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The Lantern Festival, also known as ‘Lanterns of Peace’, remains a highly anticipated event for Buddhists and both domestic and international tourists.
The release of lanterns is not merely a visual spectacle but a sacred ritual symbolising inner enlightenment and spreading love across the globe. This year, the national committees WALUBI and MBMI have prepared thousands of eco-friendly lanterns for simultaneous release.
According to the official schedule by Borobudur Temple Tourism Management (TWC), the festival will be split into two main sessions to manage visitor crowds. Between these sessions, the National Waisak Dharmasanti ceremony will take place from 7.30pm to 10pm WIB, attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Visitors can purchase tickets via the InJourney platform or digital travel agencies, with prices starting at Rp65,000 for site access and special lantern-release packages.
The tradition of celebrating Waisak at Borobudur dates back to 1929, initiated by the Dutch East Indies Theosophical Society. However, the widespread use of lanterns as part of the festival gained popularity in modern times as a symbolic representation of the Buddhist concept of ‘light’.
In Buddhist teachings, lanterns symbolise the enlightenment attained by Siddharta Gautama. Releasing them into the sky signifies letting go of negativity and sending prayers to be heard by the universe. Historically, Borobudur was chosen as the celebration’s focal point due to its status as the world’s largest Buddhist temple, rich in spiritual significance.
Given the event’s sacred nature, organisers urge all attendees to comply with established protocols. The festival is expected to not only reinforce Borobudur’s position as a world-class religious tourism destination but also serve as a moment for societal reflection on maintaining tolerance and peace in Indonesia.
The 2026 Waisak celebration carries the theme ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom: Love as the Source of World Peace’.