Vietnamese often visit pagodas on the first days of a new lunar year to pray for health and prosperity. (Photo: phatgiao.org.vn)

Soon after the first moment of the 2018 lunar year, pagodas in Hanoi were packed with visitors, who came not only to pray but also to set aside the hardships of life. 

“Going to pagodas on the first day of the new lunar new has become my routine. I pray for health, peace, and success. Pagodas are places where I can find a tranquil state of mind,” said Hanoian Nguyen Thu Ha.

The tradition of visiting pagodas at Tet has been preserved by the Vietnamese community in many countries. 

“On the first day of the lunar year, I go to a pagoda to pray for well-being and then visit my relatives. Though living far from our homeland, we still practice our tradition. I wish everyone a happy, lucky and prosperous new year!”, said Nguyen Thi Mang who lives in the Czech Republic.