Thousands brace for Waisak

MAGELANG, Central Java: Thousand of Buddhists have arrived here on Sunday for Waisak rituals at the Borobudur Temple, which will peak on Tuesday.

They erected tents in the compound of the world's biggest temple and another Buddhist temple, Mendut, located a few kilometers away.

On Sunday, the devotees paraded sacred fire from its origin in Mrapen in Grobogan to Mendut temple, covering a route of some 150 kilometers.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to attend a Waisak celebration at Borobudur temple on Monday evening, hours before he leaves for a two-week overseas trip on Tuesday morning.

All 12 Buddhist organizations will be represented at this year's Waisak rituals, held to commemorate the birthday of Buddha. -- JP