Dharma Fire Ceremony for Waisak 2026 at Mrapen: Significance and Rituals

GROBOGAN – The sacred procession to take the Dharma Fire from the eternal flame at Mrapen in Manggarmas Village, Godong District, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, officially commenced the Tri Suci Waisak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) celebrations on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The solemn ceremony was attended by dozens of Bhikkhu Sangha from eight Buddhist councils, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and TNI-Polri personnel. The fire was collected precisely at 12:00 WIB following prayers and Puja Bakti rituals conducted by each sangha.

Gunawan, Secretary-General of Walubi Central Java, explained the profound philosophical meaning of the Dharma Fire for Buddhists. It symbolises light in darkness, helping people distinguish between virtue and vice.

‘Fire for us represents illumination. In learning Dharma, Buddhists must discern right from wrong so that their actions benefit others,’ Gunawan stated at the event.

This year’s Waisak 2570 BE theme is ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom’ with a sub-theme ‘Love as the Source of World Peace’, aligning with the hope that the sacred fire will illuminate hearts and minds amid global challenges.

After being taken from Mrapen, the Dharma Fire will be enshrined at Mendut Temple. On Saturday, 30 May 2026, Buddhists will continue the procession by collecting Blessing Water at Umbul Jumprit in Temanggung Regency, which will also be enshrined at the same location.

The climax of the Tri Suci Waisak 2026 celebrations is scheduled for Sunday, 31 May 2026, featuring a series of events.

All activities are expected not only to serve as religious rituals but also as religious tourism attractions that strengthen interfaith harmony in Indonesia.

78 bhikkhus performed the pindapata ritual as part of Vesakha Sananda celebrations for Tri Suci Waisak 2570 BE.

‘During major religious holidays, citizens regardless of faith gather to exchange greetings,’ said Agus Supriyo, Village Head of Thekelan.

A total of 30,430 tickets have been sold for the five-day long weekend period from Friday, 9 May to Tuesday, 13 May.

The Mrapen fire is not merely a physical element but a profound symbol of human spiritual awakening during Waisak.

For Indonesia’s Theravada Sangha, Tri Suci Waisak commemorates three significant historical events in the life of the Buddha Gotama.