TEMPO.CO, Magelang- The 32 monks from Thailand who walked thousands of kilometers to Indonesia in part of the Thudong ritual has arrived at the Liong Hok Bio temple, according to Tempo’s observation in the field. The monks arrived in Magelang at 18:00 local time which was welcomed by a festive crowd.

Upon arriving at the temple, the monks' feet were washed by members of the temple's congregation using water and roses as a form of respect for the monks who are considered teachers.

The one-day stopover at the Liong Hok Bo temple was then followed by continuing their journey to the Borobudur Temple to celebrate Vesak Day.

TITD Liong Hok Bio Magelang deputy chief executive, Gunawan, said that the monks would then be massaged by therapists who had been prepared to help them restore energy to continue their journey tomorrow for the daily alms round at the Pemuda Street in Magelang City.

Gunawan said that this spiritual activity was backed by the Religious Communication Forum (FKUB) and Walubi. "I am really touched, this reception was not just by Buddhists, but also people from other religions which shows that tolerance in the city of Magelang is increasingly warm," he said.

MARIA ARIMBI HARYAS P.

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