Day of Enlightenment

Religious services not only bring peace and serenity, but also are displays of harmony and elegance.

This was true of the services held to mark the Buddhist Day of Enlightenment on May 24.

Buddhists from around the country took part in services at the Borobudur and Mendut temples in Yogyakarta to commemorate the three most important days in the life of Sidharta Gautama: his birth, the day of his enlightenment and his death.

The services lasted from May 21 to May 24, starting with the carrying of sacred water from a water source in Parakan, Temanggung, to Mendut Temple. This was followed by taking fire from the eternal flame in Mrapen, Purwodadi, to the temple.

The services, which were attended President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, ended at Borobudur Temple in Magelang. -- Text and photos by P.J. Leo

Photo A: Waisak

Local residents, including Muslims, watch a procession of Buddhists taking sacred water from the Umbul Jumprit water source in Parakan, Temanggung.

Photo B: Waisak

Ceremony leaders solemnly carry jugs containing the sacred water to Mendut Temple.

Photo C: Waisak

Buddhists line up at Mendut Temple to pray for the purification of water taken from Umbul Jumprit and fire taken from Mrapen.

Photo D: Waisak

Buddhist priests lead a ceremony to purify the sacred water and flame inside Mendut Temple.

Photo E: Waisak

Dancers from the Bagong Koesoediardjo art institute perform during the celebrations at Borobudur Temple.

Photo F: Waisak

Buddhists pray while walking around Borobudur Temple.