In the sacred atmosphere of the Buddha’s Birthday season, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thanh performed the ritual. This is a long-standing Buddhist tradition that recalls the birth of the Buddha in Lumbini Garden and reminds each person to purify body and mind and turn towards wholesome values.
Hundreds of monks, nuns and Buddhists attended the ceremony amid a colourful space of flags, flowers, banners and models celebrating the birth of the Buddha. The sound of temple bells and chanting blended together, creating a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.
After the Buddha bathing ritual, 32 flower-decorated vehicles from pagodas and Buddhist worship halls across Hue City paraded through several central streets. The vehicles were elaborately decorated with images of the newborn Buddha, lotus flowers and messages of compassion, peace and wisdom.
Some vehicles recreated the image of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated in 1963 to protect Vietnamese Buddhism, attracting the attention of many local residents and visitors.
The walking procession, joined by thousands of monks, nuns and Buddhists, then departed from Dieu De National Pagoda and travelled along Bach Dang, Tran Hung Dao, Le Loi and Dien Bien Phu streets before ending at the main altar at Tu Dam Ancestral Pagoda. Along the route, many residents respectfully welcomed the procession.
The Buddha procession has been held in Hue since 1935. After being interrupted for a period, it was restored in 2008 and has been maintained since then. The Buddha’s Birthday celebrates the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha.
