Minister Shihab to attend Waisak

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.