Thousands brace for Waisak

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