The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha held a grand ceremony at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on May 5 to celebrate Lord Buddha’s 2556th birthday. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan attended the event.

This is one of the most important celebrations in the Buddhist faith, not only in Vietnam but also around the world. At the ceremony Buddhist followers commemorated and honoured Lord Buddha and the living philosophy of Buddhism.

On addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the great achievements that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has made in recent times.

He stressed that the Party and State always respect people’s freedom of religion and worship and ensures that all religious activities are in accordance with the law. It also enables religious dignitaries and their followers to practice their religions while fulfilling their roles as citizens.

Nhan said he hopes that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, monks, nuns and followers both in and outside of the country will continue to promote Buddhist traditions, retain close links with the nation and make an active contribution to national construction and defence.

After the ceremony, Buddhist followers conducted several traditional rituals such as bathing the baby Buddha, and releasing doves to pray for peace and happiness.

Buddha’s birthday was also celebrated in many other parts of the country, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang City, Quang Nam, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, An Giang and Kien Giang provinces. Below are photos of some of the events, taken by DTiNews:

Ho Chi Minh City

Da Nang 

Binh Dinh

Nghe An

Source: VNA