At Quan Su Temple, headquarters of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha (VBS), Buddhist leaders, monks, nuns and lay people offered incense to Buddha, participated in the Buddha-bathing ceremony and released doves and balloons to pray for peace.
Most Venerable Thich Bao Nghiem, deputy head of the VBS’s executive council, called on Buddhist followers to uphold their fine traditions to be of benefit to society and encourage everyone to perform good deeds.
Also attending the event at Quan Su Temple, Truong Thi Mai, head of the Central Mass Mobilisation Commission praised Buddhism’s contributions to country and expected the VBS to continue promoting Buddhism’s values as a religion of peace.
She affirmed that Buddha’s birthday is not only a major event for Buddhists in Vietnam but also a global cultural festival recognised by the United Nations since 1999.
Earlier on May 9, a grand procession of Buddha’s relics from Quan Su Temple made its way around major streets in central Hanoi, drawing the participation of thousands of Buddhists and local residents.
In the former imperial capital of Hue, seven large lotus-shaped lanterns have been installed on the Perfume River, representing the Buddha’s first seven steps after he was born, while bright-coloured lanterns have also been hung in temples and major streets in the city.
Prior to the main celebrations held on May 10, large crowds of Buddhist adherents and more than 30 flower-decorated floats paraded from Dieu De Quoc Tu Temple around Hue’s streets to Tu Dam Temple on the night of May 9.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the ceremony to mark Buddha’s birthday at Viet Nam Quoc Tu Temple also drew the participation of thousands of people from across the city as well as representatives of local governments and foreign Buddhist delegations.
