Indonesians honour Buddha on Vesak Day – in pictures

Buddhist monks practise the pindapata, the collecting of alms during the celebration of Vesak Day in Magelang, Central Java.

Devotees gather at Borobudur temple in Central Java each year to mark the holy day, which commemorates the life of Buddhism’s founder over 2,000 years ago.

Monks collect holy water in Temanggung, Central Java.

Monks walk through the Borobudur temple complex, a Unesco world heritage site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Paper lanterns rise during the celebration of the life of Buddha.

Vesak Day is observed during the full moon in May or June each year. This year, the full moon fell on 4 June.

The celebrations take place over three days, with the centrepiece event on the night of the full moon.

Vesak Day honours both the birth and death of the Buddha, and his ascension to enlightenment.

Monks prepare to pray at the Borobudur temple.

Devotees and tourists light lanterns to celebrate the life and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.

Thousands of devotees from across south-east Asia gather in Central Java each year.

Monks pray in Magelang.

Lanterns are sent skywards during night-time celebrations.

Vesak Day attendees pray, meditate and contemplate the life of Buddha.