(VOVWORLD) - Buddha’s birthday will be celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, which this year falls on May 22. On this major celebration, Buddhist followers pray for peace for the people, the nation, and the world.
 Buddha’s birthday is celebrated nationwide (photo: Minh Trang) |
Buddhist followers observe Buddha’s birthday from the first day to the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. The main activities occur from the 8th to the 15th and an official ceremony is held on the 15th.
Pagodas and worshiping establishments organize rituals, Buddha processions, Buddha bathing, and other devotional activities. Families are encouraged to set up and decorate a Buddha bathtub at home and perform the Buddha bathing ritual. In Hanoi, the celebration of Buddha’s birthday is being held at the city’s Culture Center.
Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers have expressed their respect for and gratitude to Buddha by practicing Buddha’s teachings, demonstrating their sense of responsibility, and showing their love and care for others to build a world of peace and happiness.
 Seven lotuses symbolize the seven steps Buddha followed after his birth. (Photo: VOV) |
Last Saturday the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha organized a grand ceremony at the Ngoa Van pagoda in Quang Ninh province, where King Monk Tran Nhan Tong practiced Buddhism and became enlightened in the 13th century. Incense and flowers were offered to Buddha and a Buddha bathing ritual was held to pray for peace and prosperity.
Buddha's Birthday Week in Thua Thien-Hue province, taking place from May 15 to May 22, features a Buddhist cultural exhibition and an event to light up seven lotus towers on the Perfume River. These towers symbolize the seven steps Buddha followed after his birth and a prayer for national peace.
Local followers laid wreaths to pay tribute to martyrs at cemeteries and martyrs' monuments, released lanterns, and conducted flower boat parades. A grand ceremony will be held on Wednesday, the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, at Từ Đàm Temple.
Venerable Thích Khế Chơn, Deputy Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Thua Thien-Hue province, said: "Buddha’s teachings thousands of years ago still resonate today. To celebrate Buddha’s birthday, we uphold the spirit of Buddhist followers. In so doing, our celebration of Buddha’s birthday embraces a more profound meaning."
Buddha’s birthday celebration has long been a major Buddhist festival. It’s organization by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha illustrates the Vietnamese Party and State’s policy of religious freedom.