Although the ceremony for public worship and veneration began at 2 p.m., the crowds of people gathered there hours earlier amid intense heat at noon. Among them, thousands of Buddhists came from provinces and cities across the country for the Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s heart relic veneration.
Through observation of Sai Gon Giai Phong (SGGP) Newspaper’s reporters, security forces were present at the gate of Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda and around nearby intersections to ensure order and regulate the traffic.
Due to the overwhelming number of people, vehicles slowly passed through Le Hong Phong Street.
By around 1 p.m., people continued to flock to Ba Thang Hai and Le Hong Phong Street in Ward 12, District 10, along with passenger buses carrying Buddhists from various provinces and cities.
At 2 p.m., the gates of Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda were opened to welcome the public for the veneration of the sacred heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc.
The organizing board managed attendees by lining them up in order of registration.
All attendees were required to follow strict regulations, including not bringing personal items, cameras, video recorders, weapons, explosives, flammable substances, food, drinks, or objects that could disrupt order or affect the safety and solemnity of the sacred site.
Some photos captured at Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda before the ceremony for the Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s heart relic veneration:
