Mass prayer for Buddhist

JAKARTA (JP): Buddhists in Jakarta, Tangerang, West Java and Lampung, South Sumatra, are expected to gather for prayer this Sunday at the Vihara Nimmala temple in Tangerang.

The Ulambana prayer service on Jl. Pasar Baru will be held along with the delivery of charitable donations to poor people in the surrounding areas.

Organizers Budi Suardaya and Nick said in a press release that the current renovation of the temple, popular for its old clear- water well, is being carried out in an effort to make Vihara Nimmala one of the best temples in the country.

The 307-year-old temple, originally called Boen San Bio, is said to be the oldest in Tangerang. Built in 1689, its renovation is being supervised by Hans Arief Hamdani, a designer specializing in vihara, or Buddhist temples. (anr)