Waisak Celebration at Sekolah Harapan Bangsa Elementary School

To commemorate Waisak Day, Sekolah Harapan Bangsa primary school on May 16 , 2025  held a meaningful religious activity for students. This event aimed to introduce the noble values of Buddhism in an educational and enjoyable way.

A central part of the celebration was the Yu Fo ceremony, where students bathed a statue of baby Siddhartha Gautama. According to Buddhist tradition, this ritual commemorates the Buddha’s birth, which was welcomed by a shower of sacred water from the gods. The baby Siddhartha is said to have taken seven steps and pointed to the sky and Earth, symbolizing his divine presence. 

The Meaning of Yu Fo for Children:

• Symbolizes purification of the mind and self-discipline.
• A tribute to the birth of the Great Teacher, the Buddha.
• A sincere intention to follow the Buddha’s teachings in daily life.

The children participated with great enthusiasm and curiosity, making it a joyful and enlightening experience.

The event concluded with Fangsheng, a ritual of releasing living beings—such as fish, birds, or turtles—back into their natural habitat. This practice reflects the cultivation of compassion (karuṇā) and respect for all living creatures.
Students were encouraged to develop empathy and kindness through this symbolic act.🌼 Conclusion:
This year’s Waisak celebration left a deep impression on all participants. The students not only learned about Buddhist history and values but were also inspired to embody compassion, inner purity, and reverence for life.