Minister Shihab to attend Waisak

SEMARANG: Minister of Religious Affairs Quraish Shihab will attend the celebration of Buddha's day of enlightenment (Waisak) at the Borobudur temple, Central Java, on May 11, Antara reported yesterday.

Vice chairman of the Waisak organizing committee, Sungkono, said here yesterday that at least 10,000 Buddhists from across the country were expected to attend the ceremony, which will start with a procession from Mendut temple to Borobudur.

According to Sungkono, Buddhist priests and followers will draw Waisak water from the Umbul Jrumpit spring in Temanggung district on May 9.

The following day, they will take the Waisak fire from the "Eternal Fire" in Merapen, Grobogan district.

As part of the celebration, the Buddhist community will distribute basic commodities and medicine among local people living near the temples.