Buddhists at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta Celebrate Vesak with Pradaksina Ritual

Buddhists at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta marked Vesak 2570 BE with a pradaksina ritual, walking around the temple three times clockwise. The celebrations began with the release of 50 collared doves and 500 sparrows, symbolising acts of kindness and granting freedom to living beings.

Pandita Hendri Prasetya of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta said on Sunday, 31 May 2026: “Performing acts of kindness, freeing beings from fear. We symbolise this by releasing birds we purchase, then set free.” After the release, devotees performed pradaksina, carrying five-coloured candles, incense, sweets, and fruits to the altar. They chanted Buddhanussati, Dhammanussati, and Sanghanussati — reflections on the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, known as Tiratana or Tri Ratna (Three Jewels).

Attendance this year increased compared to last, with the new temple building now part of the pradaksina route. “It’s much busier than last year. With the new building, the route now includes this area, and it’s full,” he added.

The Vesak moment occurred at 16:44:45 WITA, followed by a group meditation from 16:30 to 18:00 WITA, led by Pandita Hendri Prasetya, with a Dhammadesana (religious sermon) delivered by Sihar, a Bali Ministry of Religious Affairs Buddhist guide.

In Buddhist teachings, Vesak commemorates three key events: the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, his enlightenment, and Parinibbana (passing away), all occurring on the full moon of Vesak month. “On Vesak, we celebrate the birth of the Bodhisattva, who was destined to become a Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his Parinibbana, all marked during the Vesak full moon,” he said.

The event concluded with performances by Buddhist Sunday School children, showcasing skills learned through religious activities, including paritta recitation, Dhammapada readings, and band performances.