“Vietnamese people, no matter where they are living, should do good things to gain the respect of the host country’s people so that they will appreciate the Vietnamese nation. OVs will do their best in study and research and do good things for the society to set an example for their descendants and future generations to follow,” said Venerable Thuan.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Thai Xuan Dung said the Vu Lan festival is an important event to unite, not just Buddhists but also other Vietnamese in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Held annually on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, the Vu Lan Festival, also known as ‘All Souls’ Day’ is the 2nd largest traditional festival of Vietnam after Tet.

Vietnamese people believe that on this day the souls of the dead return home and gather with family members. It’s therefore an occasion for family gatherings and a time to express love and gratitude to ancestors and parents.