Monk-ing Around at Borobudur on Wesak Day

I've been to Borobudur countless times. I seriously lost count. Normally I go there to bring friends and family who came all the way from Malaysia. But yesterday we went to witness the celebration of Wesak Day. I went last year but this year I decided to go again just for fun.

The day started out misty and cool. We arrived around 730am. The sun was barely up but visitors were coming by bus loads. The ticket for today was Rp23000 (local price). I'm not sure how much other foreigners paid but normally the tix is USD$10. We paid local price cos we were foreign students studying in Indonesia. Before going up the steps heading towards Borobudur we were asked to wrap a piece of sarong around our waist out of respect.

Monks and buddhists gather at Candi Mendut at 8am and start walking towards Candi Borobudur. The walks takes about 3 hours. While they are walking the stage at Borobudur was still being set up. We took this opportunity to take photos. At that time the weather was still cool but as the sun started to rise above our head we were getting anxious cos it was hotttt! We didn't bother going up Borobudur cos the all of us has been there before. 

After waiting for 2 hours we were getting thirsty and hungry. Unfortunately they were not selling food in the compounds of Borobudur so we had to go out to find food. After drinking a refreshing es kelapa muda we headed towards Borobudur yet again. Penattttt kayyy! Naik turun twice!

Thank goodness the event was about to start when we came back. No more waiting! First there was the small food offering. Then some of the monks gather to pray onstage. 

We decided to go back around 1pm and not stay till evening. The event was much longer. In the evening there will be an opening speech, the monks & buddhists will gather and pray together. But the biggest highlight of it all is the candle procession and the release of 1000 lampions into the air to symbolize the lighting of the universe. Maybe we'll stay for that next time.

We were at least one shade darker but it was worth it. =)