Vietnam Buddhists nationwide celebrated Vesak Day
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Vesak Day which fell on Monday 16 this year was hugely celebrated all over Vietnam with myriad activities and events taking place in many provinces.
Commonly known as "Buddha's Birthday", Vesak which actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha is one of the most important religious festivals in Vietnam.
On Monday evening, Ho Chi Minh City center was cheered up with more than 30 colorful and elaborate floats parading through the streets which earlier had been decorated with hanging lines of small Buddhist flags.
Thousands of people joined the parade, riding their bikes after the floats, waving the Buddhist flags in hands to show their joy.
More than 8,000 Buddhists nationwide Tuesday flocked to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in HCMC to attend the Vesak Day.
At Thanh Pagoda in Lang Son Northern province, 10,000 floating candle-flowers were drifted into nearby Ki Cung River to express the spirit of mercy and compassion, the essence of Buddhism.
Tens of thousands of Buddhists and pilgrims gathered there from the early afternoon to wait for the solemn ceremony.
In Hanoi, a special music program, “Huong sen mau nhiem” or “The magical scent of lotus” featuring Buddhism-inspired songs and melodies was held on Sunday night at the Vietnam-Russian Cultural Center.
Famous songwriter Anh Quan, together with his young daughter Anna, singer Tung Duong, Duc Tuan, Khanh Linh took the stage and charmed audience with their ethereal performances.
