The Paungdaw U Pagoda Festival at Inle Lake, Myanmar, is a captivating 17-18 day Buddhist celebration attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year. This vibrant event features a procession of sacred Buddha statues, traditional music and dance, boat races, and displays of local culture, offering a unique glimpse into Myanmar’s rich heritage and resilience.
A new partnership between Borobudur Temple management and Thai Airways aims to attract more Thai tourists to the iconic spiritual site, leveraging the large Buddhist population in Thailand. The collaboration focuses on enhancing air connectivity and promoting Borobudur as a key destination, diversifying Indonesian tourism beyond Bali.
Guru Purnima, celebrated on July 21, 2024, is a Hindu and Buddhist festival dedicated to expressing gratitude towards spiritual teachers, mentors, and guides. This day emphasizes the values of reverence, wisdom, and knowledge, encouraging self-reflection and spiritual growth.
The Dalai Lama reassured his followers that he is recovering well from knee surgery and dismissed rumors about his health on his 89th birthday. He addressed concerns about his succession, stating he will clarify the process around his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to advocate for Tibetan autonomy, even as his health becomes a factor in the future leadership of Tibetan Buddhism.
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima 2024, which falls on May 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and several other leaders extended their wishes. Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is an annual celebration observed on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha. It commemorates the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. Buddhists worldwide observe Buddha Purnima with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Vesak Jayanti, a significant Buddhist festival commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, is celebrated worldwide with reverence and joy. Immerse yourself in its grand festivities at these key destinations: Colombo, Sri Lanka, where the Gangaramaya Temple hosts prayers and charitable food offerings; Bangkok, Thailand, where temples are adorned and lanterns are released into the sky; Bodh Gaya, India, the sacred site of Buddha’s enlightenment; Lumbini, Nepal, Buddha’s birthplace; Jakarta, Indonesia, where the Borobudur Temple serves as the backdrop for lantern processions; Kandy, Sri Lanka, featuring the Temple of the Tooth and vibrant ‘pandols’; Hanoi, Vietnam, where the One Pillar Pagoda hosts ceremonies and cultural exhibitions; and Seoul, South Korea, where traditional lantern parades fill the streets. Whether you seek spiritual introspection or cultural immersion, these global celebrations offer an enriching journey into the teachings of peace, compassion, and renewal.
The Lotus Lantern Festival, a spectacular annual event in Seoul, South Korea, recently captivated approximately 50,000 attendees. Despite the rainy weather, the festival brought joy and color to the streets, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual message of Buddhism. The parade, which dates back over a millennium and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, featured a grand display of illuminated lotus lanterns, floats, and performers.
The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, South Korea, is a centuries-old tradition that transforms the city into a vibrant display of lanterns, parades, and cultural events. Held annually in May, this festival celebrates Buddha’s birthday and symbolizes the light of wisdom guiding people towards enlightenment. Visitors from around the world flock to Seoul to witness the stunning spectacle of hand-crafted lotus-shaped lanterns illuminating the streets. The festival offers a profound cultural experience, promoting peace and compassion through workshops, exhibitions, and performances that delve into Korean Buddhism and traditions. The integration of festival activities with Seoul’s historical landmarks and attractions creates a comprehensive travel experience, blending modern and traditional elements to captivate visitors.
This weekend, Seoul’s nocturnal landscape transformed into a luminous tapestry of colors and light for the annual Lotus Lantern Festival. The centuries-old tradition has evolved into a vibrant cultural event, attracting global travelers seeking unique experiences and a glimpse into Buddhist traditions. The festival’s international acclaim was solidified with its UNESCO intangible cultural heritage inscription in 2020.
