Buddhists across the nation flocked to pagodas to pay their respects to Lord Buddha on his 2555th birth anniversary on 14th of the fourth lunar month.
Thousands of Buddhists, monks and followers take part in a ceremony to mark the 2555th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in HCMC. (Photo:SGGP)
Various activities were held across the country in many pagodas in honour of Lord Buddha.
On May 17, a ceremony to celebrate Lord Buddha’s birthday was held in a very formal function at the Friendship Culture Palace in Hanoi, with thousands of Buddhists and followers taking part in the event.
Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue called on Buddhists and monks to join hands to protect the environment and the earth.
On behalf of Party and State leaders, Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister congratulated all present at the ceremony as well as appreciated the efforts of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha towards the development of the nation.
He also believed that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha would continue to participate in social activities and national development.
On the same day, a ceremony was held at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City with the participation of representatives from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee and thousands of Buddhist, monks, nuns and followers.
Pham Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of HCM City People’s Council and Than Thi Thu, head of the city Party Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilisation attended the ceremony.
Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang gave an opening speech at the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, representatives from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee and the city leaders released birds to pray for peace in the country and the world. Thousands of Buddhists, monks and followers from the city districts and 30 flower decorated cars passed through some streets showing national unity and respect for the freedom of belief and religion.
On the same day, the Buddhist Sangha in Thua Thien-Hue Province held a ceremony to celebrate the 2555th birthday of Lord Buddha at the Tu Dam Pagoda.
Nearly 500 Buddhists, monks and followers took part in the procession by carriage decorated with flowers through some major streets in the province.
